Matt Stout will serve as FKNMS Acting Superintendent

Matt Stout will serve as FKNMS Acting Superintendent

Matt Stout, at left, along with Fangman, ONMS Director John Armor and Bookhart during an announcement last year at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center.

The man who coined the phrase “Restoration Blueprint” will serve as Acting Superintendent of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary when Sarah Fangman departs in November for her new role as West Coast Regional Director for the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS).  Matt Stout, a 29-year veteran of NOAA, who currently serves as Chief of Staff for ONMS, will report to the Keys shortly before Fangman departs, and remain on site until her successor is named.

“I’ve worked with Matt for as long as I’ve been in the system,” said Fangman, “and he’s a trusted and experienced colleague. This area is a part of Matt’s heart. He has a personal connection as an owner of property in the Keys where he regularly visits, and we know how important it is to be connected here in that way.  In my view it’s great for the Keys to have someone in this role to be very familiar with the day-to-day activities and challenges we have, so when he goes back, he will carry that with him.”

Stout has been closely involved in the Florida Keys regulatory review and management plan update that he named, and will most likely be in the acting superintendent’s role when Restoration Blueprint is released later this year.  He previously served the system office in a communications role, and today is closely aligned with the federal appropriations and legislative processes

“Matt has a lot of experience that will be important for the Keys, especially his life on the Hill,” said East Coast Regional Director Matt Brookhart. “His familiarity with the budget process and our appropriators is vital. I’m grateful for those connections he will take into the field, as he experiences the life, and work, and the urgency of the things we’re doing in the Keys. This will be good for informing him, and the rest of us, in terms of these issues with our needs.”

Brookhart will be leading the search for Fangman’s successor, details for which will be forthcoming.