WASHINGTON, DC—Ocean Conservancy CEO Janis Searles Jones, a lawyer, advocate and marine conservation expert, has joined the nonprofit funders’ network Rachel’s Network as a Leadership Liaison.
Janis leads Ocean Conservancy’s work on tackling the pervasive and growing problem of marine debris, risky oil and gas development in places like the Arctic, climate change and ocean acidification, sustainable fisheries, and more. In 2017 she was honored with a fellowship from the Pew Charitable Trusts for her work to address increased vessel traffic in the Arctic, and foster collaboration with experts and indigenous leaders on the development and preservation of protected measures in the US and Canada.
“Janis is well-versed in all aspects marine conservation, from law and politics to science and economics, and knows how to communicate with people in a way that can spur action for the ocean,” said Rachel’s Network President Fern Shepard. “This broad perspective has allowed her to fiercely defend places like the Arctic from exploitation, and make it possible for local communities to protect the ecosystems they depend on for survival.”
During Janis’ time at Ocean Conservancy, the organization has expanded its Arctic program, built a portfolio of international work to reduce the amount of plastic flowing into the ocean, and established a world-class network of marine reserves off the coast of California.
Prior to joining Ocean Conservancy, Janis was senior regional counsel and policy advisor for Oceana and the staff attorney for the Alaska office of Earthjustice.
“I am thrilled to join Rachel’s Network as a Leadership Liaison. It is an honor to be a part of a group that has done so much to inspire and support women leaders in conservation. We are entering a time of unprecedented attacks on our ocean and environment, and yet I am optimistic. Because it in the face of adversity that we fully grasp the need to work together to defend the present and build for the future.” said Janis
Rachel’s Network Environmental Leadership Liaisons — women CEOs of influential national or international environmental nonprofits — provide high-level expertise and keep Rachel’s Network members connected to nonprofits that share our goals. This esteemed roster includes Rhea Suh, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council; Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association; and Annie Leonard, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA.
Rachel’s Network, a nonprofit organization named in Rachel Carson’s honor, promotes women as impassioned leaders and agents of change dedicated to the stewardship of the earth. The Network builds productive alliances among members and offers services that empower them to lead.
Founded in 1972, Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with partners, they create science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit www.oceanconservancy.org, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.