National Marine Sanctuary Foundation names local journalist as Florida Keys Communications and Outreach Specialist

Silver Spring, MD — The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (the Foundation) on Monday announced the hiring of Gena Parsons as Florida Keys Communications and Outreach Specialist based out of Key West, FL. A local radio and print journalist, Parsons has extensive experience in media, public relations, and strategic communications. In her new role, she will help build and strengthen community outreach and engagement efforts between the Foundation, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and Florida residents throughout Monroe County.

“Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is a national treasure. Within its boundaries are the world’s third largest barrier reef, extensive seagrass beds, mangrove-fringed islands, and an abundance of marine life. The sanctuary also supports livelihoods in coastal Florida by conserving resources with economic value that extends beyond the water,” said Kris Sarri, President and CEO of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. “Gena’s involvement in and love for the Florida Keys community make her an asset to the Foundation for engaging Florida Key residents in the stewardship and management of this unique ecosystem.”

“The welfare of our natural resources in the Florida Keys is of supreme importance to residents, businesses, and visitors. I look forward to communicating this critical message and connecting with stakeholders as partners in our common endeavor,” Parsons said.

Parsons holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Texas and a Graduate Certificate in Advanced International Affairs from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. She worked in television and radio news in Texas and Oklahoma, and as a media and public relations professional in the Texas A&M University System and at Blinn College.

Most recently, she worked as a radio news anchor with Florida Keys Media Group and a reporter and photographer with Cooke Communications including The Key West Citizen. Parsons is also president-elect of the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club and secretary of the Sugarloaf Shores Property Owners Association.

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The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is the chief non-profit partner for our National Marine Sanctuary System. The Foundation focuses on conserving areas of national significance in America’s oceans and Great Lakes by engaging citizens and communities in education, research, and on-the-ground conservation work. Learn more about the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation at marinesanctuary.org.

Designated on November 16, 1990, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is one of the 15 marine protected areas that make up our National Marine Sanctuary System. Administered by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration and jointly managed with the State of Florida, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects 2,900 square nautical miles of waters surrounding the Florida Keys, from south of Miami westward to encompass the Dry Tortugas National Park. Learn more at http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/

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