The Surfrider Foundation is the world’s largest grassroots coastal and ocean conservation organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches. Chad has over 25 years of experience in ocean and coastal conservation and works at the intersection of advocacy, ocean recreation, and grassroots organizing to confront some of our most pressing challenges including climate change, plastic pollution and poor water quality.

With a geology degree from Brown University, a Masters in Coastal Environmental Management from Duke University, and a Environmental Science and Engineering doctorate from UCLA, Chad has a strong foundation in science, policy and management. Through his research at UCLA Chad became a founder in the field of “surfonomics,” the study of the economic values of surfing and ocean recreation.

Chad lives in Laguna Beach and enjoys surfing, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and snowboarding with his family.