Karina Johnston (left) and Hillary Houser. Photo Credit: Jasmin Tupy
From the Heal the Ocean
Heal the Ocean is thrilled to announce the selection of local environmental scientist and ecologist, Karina Johnston, as its next Executive Director. Johnston brings more than 16 years of leadership in coastal environmental science and nonprofit management, along with a deep passion for ocean and coastal health. She will officially assume the role at Heal the Ocean on June 2, 2025.
As Executive Director, Johnston will support ongoing programs and lead a planning process to expand Heal the Ocean’s impact into coastal resiliency—to address the coming threat of Sea Level Rise. Heal the Ocean Co-Founder Hillary Hauser, who has served as Executive Director for over 26 years, will support the transition and stay actively involved as Strategy Consultant, and remain a member of the Board of Directors.
Johnston previously served for nearly 14 years at The Bay Foundation, a non-profit based in Los Angeles. As Science Director, she managed multidisciplinary teams, led budgeting and grant processes, and oversaw major coastal restoration projects and water quality initiatives. Notable achievements include directing the scientific monitoring of the Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project and the Santa Monica Beach Restoration Pilot Project.
Johnston nears completion of her Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Management from UC Santa Barbara and has a career grounded in science-based solutions and community engagement. She brings a strategic, collaborative and creative leadership style to Heal the Ocean.
A Board Certified Environmental Scientist and Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner, Johnston’s expertise spans coastal restoration ecology, water quality and coastal policy. Her recent work has focused on improving the resilience of our coastlines to climate impacts such as sea level rise and flooding through nature-based adaptation projects including dune, beach and wetland restoration.
Johnston helped found Loyola Marymount University's Coastal Research Institute, driving organizational development, securing funding, and authoring regional strategic and climate plans for Los Angeles through a collaborative process. She currently serves as the Facilitator for the Goleta Slough Management Committee, coordinating efforts among diverse stakeholders to protect and restore this unique local ecosystem.
“This is a pivotal moment for our coastlines and our communities,” Johnston said. “The work ahead requires collaboration, creativity, and deep community engagement. I’m excited to build on Heal the Ocean’s legacy with science-based solutions for a healthy ocean.”
Read more at healtheocean.org
About Heal the Ocean
Heal the Ocean is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Santa Barbara, California. Originally founded in 1998 as a grassroots citizens' action group, Heal the Ocean initially embarked on a successful 15-year project to convert 7 miles of septic systems to public sewer systems along the Santa Barbara coast. With a loyal membership base of over 3,000 community members, Heal the Ocean has grown into a trusted and responsive leader, now working with a robust budget to advance innovative research, develop new and original programs, and promote ocean policy initiatives.
While Heal the Ocean remains committed to improving wastewater infrastructure and preventing ocean pollution, the organization has expanded programs to safeguard ocean health. These efforts include the capping of leaking oil wells, strategic support for coastal adaptation plans, and beach hazard and debris removal within Santa Barbara County. Heal the Ocean’s impact is unique, due to its close relationships with local, state, and legal entities, and has a proven track record of successful collaboration in spearheading major ocean health projects.
