Staff

Here we are—the people behind San Diego Coastkeeper. Please find phone numbers and email addresses on our staff contact page. And if you’d like to have one of us speak at your event or to your organization, please use this online form to request a speaker.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Executive Director

Hometown: Born and raised in South side of Chicago.

I live in San Diego because: If you give me a beach, I will find something to do.

I wish every San Diegan knew: It's impossible to run out of things to do it San Diego. The green flash is real and Anza Borrego must be seen in the spring.

Read Gale Filter’s bio.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Development Director

Hometown: San Diego, born and raised.

I live in San Diego because: Hanging out(side) with friends is the best. Bonfires, picnics, croquet (really, you should try croquet) combined with friends and family make the world go ‘round.

I wish every San Diegan knew: How much people in San Diego smile and say hello, even if they don’t know you. It makes me happy.

Read Megan Baehrens’ bio.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Chief Financial Officer

Hometown: Saint Louis, Missouri.

I live in San Diego because: In 2005, I sold my car and bought a bike; I’ve been carless ever since.

I wish every San Diegan knew: San Diego has a year-round growing season, which makes it so easy to grow your own food.

Read Rachel Bartels' bio.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Development and Marine Conservation Coordinator

Hometown: Trabuco Canyon, California.

I live in San Diego because: San Diego is perfect mixture of "fast-paced city" and "small town" vibes. We get the best of both worlds.

I wish every San Diegan knew: The downtown rooftop restaurants and bars have spectacular views of the city.

Read Katelyn Hailey’s bio.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Marketing and Communications Consultant

Hometown: Walterville, Oregon.

I live in San Diego because: My winter jacket is actually a sweater.

I wish every San Diegan knew: San Diego is a bicycle friendly city. You just have to park the car long enough to try it.

Read Jamie Ortiz’s bio.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Water Quality Lab Manager

Hometown: Santee, CA.

I live in San Diego because: I can sit on porches--nothing is finer than sitting outside and watching the neighborhood go by.

I wish every San Diegan knew: About the ficus trees in Balboa Park. They have giant root systems and towering trunks.

Read Travis Pitchard's bio.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator

Hometown: Corona, Calif.

I live in San Diego because: It's truly a magical place.

I wish every San Diegan knew: How inspiring the communities of San Diego are. Being around people who genuinely care about their environment is all the motivation I need to do what I do.

Read Erin Reynante's bio.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Legal Clinic Director

Hometown: Spencerport, New York.

I live in San Diego because: After four years of living in New Orleans, I appreciate roads that aren’t riddled with potholes.

I wish every San Diegan knew: This place is paradise.

Read Jill Witkowski's bio.

Erin's and Rachel's photo taken by Andrew Erickson. All other staff photos taken by 9MPhoto.com.