Medina Rodriguez named Board chair; Exec Director Hall assumes top staff post
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2012) – Community leader Stephanie Medina Rodriguez has been appointed to a two-year term as chairman of Heal the Bay’s board of directors as part of a new management team announced today by the regional environmental group.
Karin Hall, Heal the Bay’s longtime executive director, will take over staff leadership of the organization, now in its 27th year.
President Mark Gold will leave Heal the Bay to accept a post at UCLA on Jan. 27, retaining his seat on the board of directors. The board has decided to eliminate the position of president, a job it created for Gold in 2006.
Medina Rodriguez, who has served on the board for eight years, succeeds Matthew Hart, who completed his chairmanship Jan. 19. She is an Emmy Award-winning media executive with decades of experience in broadcast journalism, community relations and marketing. She now oversees corporate initiative marketing at KTLA5 Television in Los Angeles, after a previous stint as Director of Public Affairs at CBS2 and KCAL9.
Medina Rodriguez has won two Emmys for producing one-hour specials focused on Heal the Bay’s annual Coastal Cleanup Day and other ocean-related issues. A San Fernando Valley resident, she has played a critical role in educating inland communities about ocean protection and helping connect stewardship of their neighborhoods to the health of the coastline.
“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,” said Medina Rodriguez. “Education will remain a priority for Heal the Bay, rooted in strong science and advocacy. There is no better time to become a member, get involved and help protect what we love.”
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, Hall spent 15 years as a senior advertising executive at several prominent 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,” said Hall, who has served as executive director since 2006. “We have an incredible team of dedicated professionals and volunteers who are making a difference every day. Our mission of protecting people and nature, teaching future generations, and enjoying the oceans and waterways is essential to a vibrant, healthy Southern California.”
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 & Game gather research to help educate the public about the boundaries, which took effect Jan. 1.
- Coordinating with Assembly member Julia Brownley on her pending bill to enact a statewide ban on the distribution of environmentally and fiscally wasteful 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
More about Medina Rodriguez and Hall
Los Angeles City Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa appointed Medina Rodriguez to the Transportation Board of Commissioners in 2008. She also serves on the board of Special Olympics Southern California and Full Circle Learning. She has served on the boards and advisory committees of Asian Pacific American Legal Center, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley.
Hall joined Heal the Bay in 2002 as Associate Director. Her background in Fortune 500 business and strategic planning, marketing, public affairs and political/grassroots organizing experience has helped spur Heal the Bay’s rapid growth during the past decade. Hall also sits on the board of the environmental education organization Sustainable Works.
About Heal the Bay
Heal the Bay is a nonprofit environmental organization that makes Southern California coastal waters and watersheds, including Santa Monica Bay, safe, healthy and clean. We use science, education, community action and advocacy to achieve our mission.
Contact: Matthew King, Heal the Bay, (310) 451-1500, x 137; cell 310-463-6266
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