Port Angeles – The Olympic Coast chapter of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation has a new leader. Seattle businessman Dan Evans, Jr. is the new Executive Director and says he’s eager to carry on the environmental work of his father, former Governor Dan Evans, Sr. Evans will take over the helm from Deb Moriarty, who started the chapter and will transition to a role on its Board of Directors.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, established in 2000, directly supports America’s national marine sanctuaries through their mission to protect species, conserve ecosystems and preserve America’s maritime heritage.

The local chapter’s mission is the conservation of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, a nearly 3200 square-mile area off the coast of the Olympic Peninsula.

Board chairman Mark Ozias:

The Foundation’s short-term goal is in working closely with the Feiro Marine Life Center to build a new Marine Discovery Center in Port Angeles, which will be one of the leading institutions of its kind on the West Coast.

Executive Director Melissa Williams:

Evans continues the conservation legacy of his father, Daniel J. Evans, the former Washington Governor and Senator and namesake of the Daniel J. Evans Wilderness, which shares miles of coastline with Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.