Center for Coastal Studies, Executive Director

The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) has named Anne-Marie Runfola as its Executive Director, effective in early 2025. Headquartered in Provincetown, Massachusetts, CCS is dedicated to understanding, preserving and protecting marine ecosystems and the coastal environment through applied research, education and public policy initiatives. CCS conducts research with emphasis on marine mammals of the western North Atlantic and on the coastal and marine habitats and resources of the Gulf of Maine; provides educational resources and programs that encourage the responsible use and conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems; and collaborates with other institutions and individuals whenever possible to advance the Center’s mission.

Runfola brings deep experience in the management and conservation of the coastal environment, marine education, and community engagement. For the past 14 years, she has served in the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where she is currently the Senior Advisor in the Directors Office.  Previously, she also served as Deputy Superintendent at the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

Before joining NOAA, Runfola was Deputy Director of the Bronx River Alliance, a non-profit, public-private partnership with the City of New York Department of Parks & Recreation focused on river restoration and environmental justice.

A resident of Falmouth, MA, Runfola has a leadership role with The 300 Committee Land Trust. She is a graduate of Ithaca College and received a master’s degree from Columbia University’s Teachers College.

The full press release may be found here. 

This search was led by Kennedy Kearney-Fischer with Annah Wells and Madeleine Ruth.