Stephannie Kettle | Communications Director
skettle@healthygulf.org | 407.361.9432
February 9, 2024
Healthy Gulf, a regional environmental nonprofit advocating for the health and sustainability of the Gulf of Mexico and its coastal communities, proudly announces the appointment of Martha “Marti” Collins as the organization’s new Executive Director.
With over two decades of experience in public interest environmental advocacy and a proven track record of leadership, Collins brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. As the former President/CEO of a public interest environmental and land use consulting firm, Collins successfully enabled clients to protect the environment through education, public outreach, lobbying, and litigation. Her extensive experience in organizing, expanding, managing, and supervising powerful coalitions has resulted in stronger policies in environmental health, clean water, clean air, conserving ocean resources, and addressing climate change and adaptation issues.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the organization’s second Executive Director,” said Collins. “The Gulf of Mexico is not only a vital ecosystem but also a region where environmental justice issues are particularly urgent. I am committed to working collaboratively with communities and stakeholders to address these challenges and ensure a more equitable and sustainable future for all.”
Collins’s background also includes serving as Vice-Chair of the Board of Healthy Gulf, where she played a key role in overseeing the organization’s strategic planning and fundraising. Cyn Sarthou, Healthy Gulf’s first and longtime Executive Director, retired in late 2022.
“Marti’s dedication to environmental advocacy and her strategic leadership skills make her the ideal candidate to lead Healthy Gulf,” said Healthy Gulf Board Chair, Aaron Viles. “The attacks on our coastal environment and communities are rampant at every level, and we are confident Marti will continue the organization’s track record of successfully mounting campaigns against some of the most significant environmental threats in the region.”
“We are more than thrilled to have Marti on board. Marti has a unique skillset and passion that make her an incredible choice. We are confident that Healthy Gulf will continue to grow under her leadership. Most notably, Marti already has a proven track record of fighting for the coast and for environmental justice in the Gulf South. Excited to see the incredible things she will do!”
Collins holds a Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law and a Master of Studies in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School. She is admitted to the Florida Bar and the Middle District Federal Court of Florida. No stranger to Louisiana, her undergraduate degree was obtained at Tulane University in New Orleans.
Marti has been married to her husband Peter for 20 years and is a proud mother of two daughters. Together, they share a love for the Gulf, enjoying activities such as swimming, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and more.