WASHINGTON – Ocean Conservancy is pleased to announce two new members of its senior leadership team: Shawn Castellanos has joined the organization as its Chief Development Officer and Chiko Scozzafava has joined as its Chief Operating Officer. Their first days were February 10 and 18, respectively.

“This is a pivotal time for the future of the ocean, and having the right leadership in place to meet the moment is more critical than ever,” said Ocean Conservancy’s CEO Janis Searles Jones. “After a rigorous search process, we are thrilled to bring Shawn and Chiko onboard. I am confident that with this leadership team in place, Ocean Conservancy is poised to deliver big wins for the ocean.”

“I look forward to bringing my fifteen years of experience and expertise in fundraising across revenue pillars to my passion—the ocean,” said Ms. Castellanos. 

Ms. Castellanos has led fundraising teams at Cornell University, the American Heart Association and Johns Hopkins University. 

As Ocean Conservancy’s Chief Operations Officer, Ms. Scozzafava will lead the organization’s efforts to develop and implement an integrated operational strategy.

Ms. Scozzafava comes to Ocean Conservancy from Planned Parenthood Federation of America, where she served as Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Chief Internal Audit Officer. Prior to this role, she served as the Head of Protective Services at Twitter, and spent over a decade as a U.S. Secret Service Agent. 

“As someone who has spent most of my life in Hawaii, the ocean is more than just passion; it’s a calling,” said Ms. Scozzafava. “It’s a reflection of my belief that, in life as in work, we must always be mindful of the currents that connect us all. I’m excited to join Ocean Conservancy and help facilitate these connections in my role as Chief Operations Officer.”

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ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY 

Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.