KRIS HUNTER

Palm Coast, FL  831-406-0960  kris.hunter0960@gmail.com  www.linkedin.com/in/krislynehunter
www.oceanplanetacademy.org

MARINE EDUCATION OFFICER

Impact: Communications, Customer Service, Education, and Policy

Dynamic professional with expertise in conservation strategy, ecological assessment, research, and maritime sustainability.  Skilled in mentoring, curriculum development, communication, and education, with a track record of designing and implementing impactful programs that foster inclusive learning environments.  Passionate about empowering individuals through strategic mentorship, innovative curricula, and program management to drive meaningful outcomes and long-term growth.
AREAS OF IMPACT

Program Management ▪ Communications ▪ Team Leadership & Mentoring ▪ Customer Service & Marketing Curriculum & Education ▪ Event Planning & Scheduling ▪ Wildlife & Habitat Conservation ▪ E-Outreach Program Management ▪ Strategic Partnership ▪ Remote Learning ▪ Grants & Fundraising ▪ Development Writing
Technology: Adobe (Photoshop, Lightroom), Canva, Salesforce, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

OCEAN PLANET ACADEMY & NATURALIST COMPANY | Moss Landing, CA & Palm Coast, FL | 2014 - Present

CEO | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Established and expanded a successful nature tourism company, leading strategic initiatives in education, conservation, and business growth. Oversee operations, marketing, and talent development, serving 200+ clients annually. Lead strategic initiatives to enhance environmental awareness, increase customer engagement, and support marine research initiatives.

    Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute long-term strategic plans aligned with organizational goals.
    Program Management: Manage conservation initiatives, volunteer engagement, and educational programs to expand community impact. 
    Fundraising & Stakeholder Engagement: Direct fundraising initiatives, securing grants, and cultivating donor relationships to support conservation projects and operational growth. Built strategic partnerships with community leaders, educational institutions, and environmental organizations to enhance outreach and advocacy efforts.
    Expanded Revenue: Grow revenue by 100%+ six consecutive years by diversifying offerings and increasing engagement.
    Increased Engagement: Boost customer and volunteer base by 45% through marketing, social media, and advertising.
    Developed Training: Designed an online Marine Mammal Naturalist Training Course launching in December 2025 to educate students globally.

    Event Planning & Tours: Led 6K+ whale, dolphin, and coral reef excursions across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, along with 500+ educational tours.

MARINE CONSERVATION INSTITUTE | Lahaina, HI & Monterey, CA | 2001 - 2014

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (PROJECT ECOED) 

Oversaw research, education, and conservation initiatives focused on humpback whales, including photo identification, behavioral studies, and data analysis. Led extensive outreach efforts, delivering thousands of educational lectures and fostering community engagement to promote ocean conservation.

    Educational Outreach: Delivered over 5,500 lectures aboard whale watch vessels, in hotels, and at schools across Hawaii, New England, and Monterey Bay, significantly raising awareness of marine conservation.
    Grant Funding & Program Development: Secured $6K in grants to educate 60 home-schooled children through immersive programs, including nature hikes, tide pool walks, and marine life exploration.
    Community Engagement: Expanded school-based conservation programs, increasing student participation by over 65% in just eight months through strategic partnerships and awareness campaigns.
    Internship & Training Programs: Developed and led intern and staff training programs, equipping 15+ naturalists and crew members with expertise in whale research, safety, and conservation best practices.
    Conservation Research: Conducted data collection and analysis on humpback whale behavior, contributing valuable research to marine conservation efforts and educational initiatives.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI) | Santa Cruz County | 2008 - 2025

OUTREACH SPECIALIST | PROJECT DIRECTOR

Coordinated and led peer support initiatives, educational outreach, and team management to foster mental health awareness and support across local communities.

    Strategic Leadership: Coordinated a Peer NAMI Connections Support Group with 25 members, facilitating eight monthly meetings to provide peer support for mental health and foster client networking.
    Community Engagement: Delivered 200+ presentations annually at local churches, halfway houses, and UC Santa Cruz, educating communities about mental health resources and support services.
    Team & Operations Management: Oversaw the scheduling of 15 Peer Coordinators, ensuring smooth operations, service continuity, and accurate billing practices.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

Bachelor of Arts in Marine Mammalogy & Mental Health Advocacy, Goddard College, Plainfield, VT

Adventure Guide:
 Led 6K+ whale, dolphin, and coral reef expeditions across the Pacific & Atlantic Oceans

Certified Marine Mammal Naturalist Instructor: 
Coral Reef Ecology Naturalist Instructor | Certified Hawaii State Tour Guide | Certified First Aid & CPR (reinstatement in process) | PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor 

USCG Captain’s License: 
100-ton, with 50-ton sail and towing endorsement

Memberships & Affiliations: 
Society for Marine Mammalogy | American Cetacean Society | National Association for Interpretation | The Oceanic Society | The Ocean Conservancy | National Marine Educators Association