Executive Director Deb Self Passes the Baton to Monika Krach

Deb Self (left) and Monika Krach (right)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

After five years of exemplary leadership at Greater Farallones Association (GFA), Deb Self has decided to step down as Executive Director to devote more time to family and home life.

During her tenure as Executive Director, Deb has led GFA through a remarkable period of growth and success. Her dedication and commitment have been instrumental in increasing support for the sanctuaries by doubling our staff and budget, launching the groundbreaking Greater Farallones Kelp Restoration Program, steering us through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization. With Deb’s guidance, GFA’s programs have expanded, and organizational operations are effective and efficient.

The GFA Board of Directors is delighted that Deb will remain on staff in a new part-time role as Senior Director of Restoration and Partnerships. In this capacity, she will continue to work closely with our agency and stakeholder partners to advance key initiatives like kelp restoration and coastal resilience planning.

“It has been so gratifying to help build GFA’s capacity to understand and restore marine sanctuaries, to ensure equitable coastal access, and to nurture the next generation of ocean stewards,” says Deb. “I’m excited that I have a new role where I’ll be able to continue working closely with NOAA staff, state agencies, California Tribes, local communities, and science partners to restore thriving marine sanctuaries.”

The Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that Monika Krach will be stepping into the role of Executive Director of the Greater Farallones Association, effective April 1st. With a decade of experience at GFA, including her most recent position as Deputy Director, Monika has played a vital role in GFA’s unprecedented growth. Her extensive background in marine science, her financial and fundraising acumen, and her proven leadership abilities made her the ideal candidate to lead GFA into its next chapter.

“Over the past decade, I have taken immense pride in working with GFA’s dynamic team of scientists and educators who are at the forefront of marine conservation,” says Monika. “I am honored and excited to serve as Executive Director, and I look forward to collaborating with our extensive network of partners and community members to conserve the vibrant ecosystems just off our California coast.”

On behalf of the entire board and staff, the GFA Board of Directors would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Deb for her invaluable contributions and warmly welcome Monika into her new role.

More on the web:
www.Farallones.org 
Facebook.com/Farallones/ 
Twitter.com/FarallonesNews/ 
Instagram.com/farallonesnews/ 

Greater Farallones Association is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner to Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, federally-protected areas encompassing more than 4,000 square miles of open ocean and coastal waters off the California coast. Through high-impact programs rooted in science, we engage over 14,000 adults and youth a year in ocean conservation, collect critical data on wildlife, restore vital habitats, and help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change through nature-based solutions.

Contact:
media@farallones.org