Heal the Bay Reorganizes

With Mark Gold's departure forthcoming at the end of the week, environmental watchdog announced Tuesday that it will eliminate the position of president, a job created for Gold five years ago.

Gold is leaving Heal the Bay for a full-time post at UCLA on Jan. 27. He will retain his seat on the nonprofit's board of directors, which will now be chaired by community leader Stephanie Medina Rodriguez.

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Medina Rodriguez—the winner of two Emmys for her production of one-hour specials focused on Heal the Bay’s annual Coastal Cleanup Day and other ocean-related issues—is beginning a two-year term as chairwoman.

After eight years serving on the board of directors, she succeeds Matthew Hart, who completed his chairmanship Jan. 19.

"As we transition into a new phase for the organization, I’m looking forward to working closely with the dedicated board and staff to extend our reach throughout Southern California—the South Bay, the San Fernando Valley and the Latino community,” Medina Rodriguez said in a statement.

Karin Hall, Heal the Bay’s longtime executive director, will take over staff leadership of the organization.

Hall, a 10-year veteran of Heal the Bay, will provide day-to-day management and strategic direction for the organization. Before joining Heal the Bay, she spent 15 years as a senior advertising executive at several national advertising firms. She managed high-profile accounts such as Starbucks, Expedia, DIRECTV, Earthlink, and Acura.

“I am proud and humbled to lead Heal the Bay,” Hall said in a statement.

Under Hall’s direction, Heal the Bay staff will continue to focus on four key policy issues this year:

• The implementation of Marine Protected Areas off the coast of Southern California. Heal the Bay is assisting the state Department of Fish and Game gather research to help educate the public about the boundaries, which took effect Jan. 1.
• Coordinating with Assemblywoman Julia Brownley on her pending bill to enact a statewide ban on the distribution of single-use plastic bags. Heal the Bay also has led the drive for a ban in the city of Los Angeles that is expected to be enacted this spring.
• Working with local school districts to implement environmental literacy materials developed by National Geographic and Heal the Bay into K-12 curriculum statewide.
• Advocating for a countywide storm water permit that will reduce polluted runoff to levels that protect public health and aquatic life.