Surfrider Foundation finds new leader
The Surfrider Foundation has named a Laguna Beach resident and former lifeguard to be the nonprofit organization’s next chief executive officer.
The group’s board of directors chose Chad Nelsen to lead Surfrider, a San Clemente-based organization dedicated to protecting the ocean and beaches. It has 84 chapters nationwide.
Nelsen spent the past 16 years as Surfrider’s environmental director. He replaces Jim Moriarty, who was CEO for nine years.
“Our coastal lifestyles and economies rely on a healthy coastal environment,” Nelson said on the Surfrider website. “Clean water, beach access, healthy beaches and a thriving ocean are worth fighting for.”
His accomplishments include establishing the Tres Palmas marine reserve in Puerto Rico, one of the first reserves dedicated to protecting the marine environment and surfing, and helping to save Trestles in San Clemente by stopping a proposed six-lane toll road through the area, according to the website.
“Nelsen’s proven track record of leading high-impact campaigns has clearly demonstrated his ability to significantly build the reach of this incredible organization,” board Chairwoman Liisa Pierce Fiedelholtz said in a news release.
Nelsen will work with staff and the board to develop a strategic plan to grow and strengthen the organization, according to the release.
He currently serves as the board president for Save the Waves, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the coastal environment, with an emphasis on surf zone protection. Nelsen is also director at the Coastal Society, an international group that addresses technical, policy, educational and management issues related to coastal areas.
Nelsen earned his doctorate from UCLA, a master’s in environmental management from Duke University’s Nicholas School, and a bachelor’s degree from Brown University, the release said.
Love of the ocean runs deep in Nelsen’s family.
“I grew up on the beach, was an ocean lifeguard and my father taught marine biology,” Nelsen said on the website. “My brother was a professional surfer and now runs a surf camp for kids. I now have twin boys who are completely surf stoked, and my family spends a ton of time at the beach.”