Jessica Curran
San Diego,California
Summary
Strategic environmental leader with nearly 17 years of experience spearheading complex marine and climate-focused programs within the U.S. Navy. Recognized leader in marine resource policy, and conservation with a proven track record in establishing and directing large-scale environmental initiatives, securing and managing large-scale budgets, and aligning ecological stewardship with mission readiness. Award-winning contributor with expertise in marine biology, climate adaptation, policy development, interagency coordination, and environmental justice.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Fleet Environmental Operations Marine Biologist
Navy Region Southwest
06.2022 - Current
- Lead regional marine program for Navy operations across the Southwest (10 Navy properties), ensuring compliance with federal environmental regulations
- Review and interpret new and changing state and federal environmental policies, laws, and regulations to assess potential impacts on Navy operations, proactively advising leadership on compliance strategies and advocating for mission-critical exemptions where necessary
- Founded and direct interdisciplinary Climate Change Working Group and Marine Resources Working Group, fostering collaboration across commands
- Represent Navy interests on regional boards including the Port of San Diego Environmental Advisory Committee, San Diego Association of Governments Shoreline Preservation Group, San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative Sea Level Rise Working Group, and West Coast Ocean Alliance
- Represented Navy in consultations and eelgrass habitat recovery efforts with National Marine Fisheries Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service
- Drive interagency cooperation on critical habitat, endangered species recovery, and climate change initiatives
- Co-lead Bay to Border Sentinel Landscape Initiative submission of an Expression of Interest to designate a new Sentinel Landscape, a federal initiative that aligns conservation, working lands, and national defense priorities
Natural Resource Specialist, Marine Program Lead
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command
07.2008 - 06.2022
- Managed Navy funded programs and budgets across five Navy properties
- Co-founded and managed the Navy’s first in-house marine resources team, the Navy Marine Ecology Consortium; led research and conservation programs spanning from abalone, sea turtles, and marine mammals
- Spearhead completion of San Diego Bay Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan, signed after 5+ years in draft
- Oversaw environmental planning for a $145M construction project to build a new ammunition pier at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach
- Coordinated consultations and National Environmental Policy Act documents for priority infrastructure and waterfront development projects
- Chair/member on multiple Technical Evaluation Boards for high-value contracts ($10M–$75M)
- Conducted community outreach and education for various audiences from elementary schools to scientific conferences
- Originated and led development of Southwest marine resource project content featured in multiple news articles and media stories, increasing public visibility of Navy environmental initiatives
Education
M.S. - Marine Biology
California State University, Northridge
05.2008
B.S. - Biology
California State University, Northridge
05.2005
Skills
- Climate Resilience Strategy
- Environmental Policy & Law (Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act)
- Interdisciplinary Team Leadership
- Strategic Planning & Stakeholder Engagement
- Contract & Grant Management
- Science-Based Decision Making
- Government-Nonprofit-Academic Partnerships
Timeline
Fleet Environmental Operations Marine Biologist
Navy Region Southwest
06.2022 - Current
Natural Resource Specialist, Marine Program Lead
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command
07.2008 - 06.2022
B.S. - Biology
California State University, Northridge
M.S. - Marine Biology
California State University, Northridge
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