Gulf Restoration Network

Irene Dowling, Office Manager

Phone: 504-525-1528 ext. 201
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Background:
Irene is in charge of the GRN’s bookkeeping and day to day operations.

Irene received her BA in History and AS in Computer Science from Southeastern Louisiana University. She has worked as a full charge bookkeeper for a CPA, in accounts payable for Hotel Management of New Orleans, and as an IT manger for the law firm of Jones, Walker.

Dan Favre, Campaign Organizer

Phone: 504-525-1528 ext. 209
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Background:
Dan works with our Campaign Director to implement our grassroots public education and outreach to engage citizens in efforts to protect important habitats, such as cypress forests, throughout the Gulf.  Dan received his B.A. in Sociology from Brown University and worked as a field organizer for the League of Conservation Voters and Green Corps.

Jonathan Henderson, Louisiana Global Warming (1Sky) Organizer

Phone: 504-525-1528 ext. 211
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Background:
Jonathan staffs a partnership with the 1Sky Fund to move 1-2 congressional targets in the New Orleans area, and to demonstrate the political for public support in Louisiana for real climate /energy solutions emphasizing clean energy and green jobs. Jonathan received a bachelor’s degree in Theater from LSU a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Louisiana and a law degree from Southern University Law Center. Jonathan has worked in government relations for many years including as a legislative assistant at the Louisiana State Legislature and as Director of Governmental Relations for the Brylski Company, a full-scale public relations firm.

Raleigh Hoke, Mississippi Organizer

Phone: 504-525-1528 ext. 203
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Background:
Raleigh works to protect the natural resources of the Mississippi Gulf Coast by empowering and organizing individuals and groups within the community to fight for the health of their environment.  He has a B.A. in Political Science from Tulane University and has worked with the GRN over the past year as a Campaign Associate and Assistant Canvass Director.

Briana Kerstein

Briana Kerstein, Special Projects Coordinator

Phone: 504-525-1528 ext. 208
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Background:
Briana’s work is largely focused on the Aveda Earth Month Campaign and building and strengthening relationships with GRN’s group membership. She also works with Jessica on other non-foundation fundraising efforts. Briana has a B.A. from Colorado College and worked for many years as an organizer in the Northwest.

Grace Morris

Grace Morris, Campaign Assistant

Phone: 504-525-1528 ext. 214
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Background:
Grace works on public outreach for GRN's natural storm defenses campaigns and assists with membership development.  She received her BA in English Literature from Yale University.  Grace first joined GRN as an Assistant Director of the 2009 summer "Defend Our Coast, Defend Ourselves" outreach campaign.

Joe Murphy, FL Program Director

Phone: 813-468-0870
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Background:
Joe works to plan, develop and implement regional and Florida campaigns.  Joe has a B.A. from Eckerd College and is currently working on a graduate degree in Florida Studies at the University of South Florida. Joe has been involved in conservation work in Florida, either as a paid staff person or volunteer for over 15 years, and has served as a volunteer on the Boards of the Florida Defenders of the Environment, Environment Florida Research and Policy Center, the Hernando Audubon Society, and the Gulf Restoration Network.

Ellis Pickett, TX Campaign Organizer

Phone: 713-906-3940
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Background:
Ellis works to outreach to GRN members and others in Texas, and to plan, develop and implement Texas campaigns. Ellis has eleven years of experience working on coastal issues as a founder of Surfrider Foundation chapters in Texas. He has worked with local, state, and federal officials, and environmental activists around the state.

Casey DeMoss Roberts, Asst. Dir., Water Resources

Phone: 504-525-1528 ext. 205
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Background:
Casey works with Matt to develop and implement water resource campaigns and advance GRN public policy positions through public education and mobilization, including organizing outreach events and workshops. Casey received her BS in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin with a minor in biology and her Master’s of Public Health from the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Casey has worked on climate and energy related issues for several years with both national and regional groups.

Matthew Rota, Director, Water Resources

Phone: 504-525-1528 ext. 206
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Background:
Matt develops and implements water resource campaigns and advances GRN public policy positions through public education and mobilization, including organizing outreach events and workshops. Matt has a Master's Degree in Earth and Environmental Resources Management from the University of South Carolina and a B.S in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology from Tulane University.

Cyn Sarthou, Executive Director

Phone: 504-525-1528 ext. 202
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Background:
Cyn is responsible for the day to day operations and staff management at the GRN. She is primarily responsible for foundation fundraising, and also works to elevate regional issues to a national level, and monitors federal agency action affecting coastal and marine endangered species in Gulf states. Cyn received her B.A. from the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, her law degree from the University of Mississippi in 1983, and her Masters of Law in Law and Marine Affairs from the University of Washington in 1992.

Aaron Viles, Campaign Director

Phone: 504-525-1528 ext. 207
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Background:
Aaron leads several of our campaigns, including our effort to ensure sustainable fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico, our work on global warming issues in the Gulf, and our campaign to protect important habitats, such as cypress forests throughout the Gulf. He has B.S. in Biology with an emphasis in Conservation, Ecology and Evolution from the University of Washington and worked for many years as a Campaign Director/Organizer for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group.