Individual Giving

Laura D. Cassiani

Chief Advancement Officer

Sustainable Nonprofit Leader | Ocean Conservation Advocate | Strategic Fundraiser

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As Chief Advancement Officer at Mission Blue, Laura Cassiani works closely with Dr. Sylvia Earle and the Board of Directors to drive the organization’s mission, strategy, and programs. Offering an entrepreneurial and donor-centric approach, she builds strong relationships with corporate and foundation partners while overseeing the development of sustainable revenue-generating programs aligned with Mission Blue’s Hope Spot initiative, including global engagement, expeditions, policy, and outreach.

As its first Executive Director and current Chief Advancement Officer, Laura has built Mission Blue from the ground up, securing global endorsements from NGOs, governments, and Fortune 500 brands. Under her leadership, the Hope Spot initiative has expanded its reach, mobilizing grassroots conservation efforts in over 69 countries and influencing international ocean policy. Since joining the organization in 2009 as Chief Operating Officer, she has been instrumental in advancing its mission, serving as Executive Director from 2016 to 2021 before transitioning to her current role.

With early career roots in the technology sector, Laura brings multi-sector expertise in strategy, programs, and partnerships. She has led global marketing initiatives for Apple, Microsoft, and Cisco, managing major product launches, including Steve Jobs-era innovations such as the iMac G3, OSX, and iTunes.

In 2002, she and her family moved to Switzerland, where she worked at the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), leading a capital campaign for IUCN’s new LEED platinum headquarters. Focused on sustainability, biodiversity, and climate change, she helped bring conservation issues to light in the private sector and secured $5M in early-phase funding.

For the past 15 years, Laura has been dedicated to building Mission Blue and supporting Dr. Sylvia Earle’s vision for a healthier, living ocean. She is an IUCN-certified expert in Nature-Based Solutions and has cultivated lasting partnerships with Rolex, Biotherm, MSC Foundation, National Geographic, TED, Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy, and Google, among others.

Laura lives in Napa Valley with her husband, two children, and their Anatolian Shepherd rescue, Teddy. In addition to her work in ocean conservation, she is an avid gardener specializing in native plants and founder of Garden Girl Napa, a container gardening consultancy. She also enjoys painting, whale watching, and connecting people to nature.

Erin Whittle

Director of Development

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As Director of Development, Erin Whittle leads Mission Blue’s global fundraising strategy and donor engagement efforts, working closely with senior leadership and the Board of Directors to expand support for ocean conservation. She plays a key role in cultivating the philanthropic partnerships—individuals, foundations, and corporate allies—that make Mission Blue’s work possible.

Erin brings more than 16 years of experience in conservation philanthropy, having held senior fundraising positions at leading global organizations, including The Nature Conservancy and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). She has helped raise significant funding for initiatives ranging from marine protected area expansion in the Caribbean to Indigenous-led conservation in Canada and climate action around the world.

Originally from landlocked Dallas, Erin developed a deep personal passion for the ocean later in life. She now lives with her family in Northern California—just a short drive from the dramatic Pacific cliffs that remind her daily why this work matters.

Kristen Lennex

Donor Relations Associate

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Kristen Lennex joined the Mission Blue team in 2025 as the Donor Relations Associate and brings more than a decade of experience supporting nonprofit development, donor relations, and financial operations. She works closely with colleagues to manage donor data, coordinate systems and processes, and support effective stewardship that advances Mission Blue’s conservation efforts.

Kristen has a strong background in donor database management, financial workflows, and administrative operations, and is known for her collaborative approach. She grew up near the Great Lakes, where time spent around the water inspired a lifelong appreciation for aquatic ecosystems and continues to motivate her commitment to ocean and water conservation.