Sarah Fangman Promoted to NOAA West Coast Regional Director

Sarah Fangman Promoted to NOAA West Coast Regional DirectorPhoto byNOAA

By Kristy Tallman, September 3, 2024

Oregon - Sarah Fangman, Superintendent of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, has been promoted to the prestigious role of West Coast Regional Director for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. This new position marks a significant step in her career, bringing her expertise to a region that spans 15,333 square miles of marine protected areas along the West Coast of the United States.

Fangman, who has more than 25 years of experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets, leading large teams, and implementing innovative marine policies, will oversee sanctuaries including the Channel Islands, Cordell Bank, Greater Farallones, Monterey Bay, and Olympic Coast. “Sarah excels at building strategic relationships and working collaboratively across multiple stakeholder groups to address complex environmental challenges,” said John Armor, Director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “She is well known for her ability to set the right tone in difficult situations and as a visionary and problem solver.”

A Return to West Coast Roots

Fangman’s promotion is a return to her roots on the West Coast, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Marine and Environmental Affairs from the University of Washington and began her NOAA career as a science coordinator at the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary in California. Her new role will involve managing and protecting some of the most significant marine ecosystems in the United States.

Legacy in the Florida Keys

Fangman’s tenure as Superintendent of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which began in September 2017, has been marked by several significant achievements:

• Mission: Iconic Reefs: Fangman envisioned and launched this reef restoration program, building it from a zero-budget initiative into one of the largest reef restoration efforts in the world, generating $25 million in support and involving over 15 employees and numerous local partners.
• Response to 2023 Heat Event: Fangman led the sanctuary’s response to an unprecedented heat event in the summer of 2023, managing media attention, directing community outreach, and implementing rescue and relocation efforts to protect the marine ecosystem.
• Restoration Blueprint: She guided the multi-year public process of the Restoration Blueprint, involving extensive public engagement and navigating the necessary steps to reach a Final Rule, which will shape the future of the sanctuary’s management.
• EcoDiscovery Visitor Center: Despite challenges, Fangman oversaw a million-dollar renovation and successful reopening of the Florida Keys EcoDiscovery Visitor Center, enhancing public engagement and education about the sanctuary.

“It has been my great honor and privilege to serve as Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Superintendent,” Fangman said. “I want to express my deep appreciation for the staff of the sanctuary who work tirelessly on behalf of our community and our marine ecosystem. I have been inspired by working with partners who are innovative, determined, and committed to protecting and improving the marine resources of the Florida Keys.”

Looking Ahead

As Fangman prepares to transition to her new role on the West Coast, she remains committed to the ongoing projects in the Florida Keys, particularly the Restoration Blueprint. While she will soon take up her duties as Regional Director, Fangman will continue to shepherd this crucial initiative through its final stages, ensuring that it receives the attention and resources it needs to succeed.

“Even though I have been Superintendent of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for seven years, important work remains unfinished,” Fangman said. “I wasn’t expecting to be selected for this new role, but I am incredibly humbled. This opportunity allows me to contribute even more—to advocate for the Keys from an elevated position, even if my voice is carrying from California.”

Fangman’s leadership and vision have left a lasting impact on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and she is poised to bring that same dedication and expertise to her new role on the West Coast.

By Kristy Tallman, September 3, 2024

The Republic News

Source: NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

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