Deb Castellana

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT DEB CASTELLANA

Deb Castellana is a dedicated ocean advocate whose career spans decades of groundbreaking work in ocean conservation, climate change, and sustainable solutions. As she moves on from her pivotal role at Mission Blue on December 31, 2024, Deb continues to make waves in the field, focusing on projects and initiatives that benefit the ocean and its ecosystems.For over 14 years, Deb worked with Dr. Sylvia Earle at Mission Blue. As Director of Strategic Alliances, she forged transformative partnerships, advanced global marine protection efforts, and cultivated relationships with donors that strengthened the organization’s impact. Her leadership, vision, and dedication have been instrumental in furthering Mission Blue’s goal of safeguarding the ocean for future generations.Deb’s contributions to Mission Blue include:• Serving as Director of Communications for six years, where she developed strategies that amplified the organization’s reach to millions worldwide.• Serving as Board Secretary for over a decade, supporting governance and strategic planning efforts.Beyond her tenure at Mission Blue, Deb remains involved in ocean conservation through her roles as a Board Director for the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, Ocean Conservation Research, and Double Bay Sanctuary Foundation. She is committed to contributing to innovative projects that address critical challenges like climate change, offshore conservation, and marine biodiversity restoration.Her work also includes:• Early adoption of AI tools to enhance nonprofit efficiency, demonstrating her forward-thinking approach to problem-solving and technology.• A lifetime of work connected to the ocean—from working at the BP Oil Spill to teaching scuba diving and working as a yacht captain to directing communications for offshore sailing races.Deb’s career reflects her commitment to preserving the ocean. She has a unique ability to inspire collaboration, mobilize resources, and bring people together for a common cause.Deb enjoys cultivating her organic garden, mentoring young conservationists, and exploring ways to tackle climate and habitat challenges. Deb’s journey has taken her from the shores of Long Island to Cape Cod, Florida, Mexico, Sweden, Indonesia and beyond. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she will continue to protect the ocean, one project at a time.