With over 7 years of experience leading innovative conservation projects, Nik’s mission is to help provide coastal communities with the tools they need to be effective in valuing, protecting and managing their own natural resources. Before joining Save The Waves, Nik founded professional training programs in conservation project management, worked as a consultant in ecotourism development in coastal communities worldwide, and built innovative programs focused on water resource issues in the Monterey Bay area. In addition to Save The Waves, he is an adjunct professor at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, teaching on topics water resource issues and non-profit management.
He holds a BA from Lewis and Clark College and a Masters in Public Administration from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, with a focus on conservation and international non-profit management. In 2009, he produced and directed his first documentary film, BUILD, which documented the first skateparks in Uganda and Nicaragua and was featured in the Santa Cruz and Seattle Film festivals. He has traveled and surfed widely and is fluent in Spanish, French and Italian.
Growing up as the son of a fisherman and a teacher in Washington State, the coast has always played an important role in his life. When not at the office, Nik can be found in the water around Santa Cruz, riding a skateboard or on the soccer pitch.
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