CERF 2013

The Women in Science Networking Lunch provides a compelling program and an excellent opportunity to network with colleagues and friends. This year we are happy to present Margaret Spring as the featured speaker. Margaret Spring joined the Monterey Bay Aquarium in April 2013 as Vice President of the Conservation and Science Division where she provides leadership and strategic guidance for the Conservation Research, Policy, and Seafood Watch Programs. Margaret, a graduate of Duke University Law School and Dartmouth College, has had a distinguished career in ocean policy, having recently served as Principal Deputy Under-Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere and Chief of Staff at NOAA, working closely with NOAA administrator Jane Lubchenco. In this role, she worked to develop and drive strategic priorities for NOAA with a particular focus on external constituents, interagency initiatives, and administration priorities. Prior to this, Margaret was with The Nature Conservancy’s California chapter from 2007 to 2009 as Director of its Coastal and Marine Program, where she led one of the largest U.S. marine programs at the Conservancy, focusing on innovative projects designed to address major threats to marine ecosystems. Before joining the Conservancy she served for many years as Senior Counsel, then General Counsel, to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, playing an important role advising members of Congress on ocean issues and developing key ocean legislation.