Jocelyn Runnebaum, Ph.D., who has worked with The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Oceans and Coast program since 2019 and most recently as TNC’s Marine Program Manager, has joined the Maine Department of Marine Resources as Director of the Maine Coastal Program (MCP).

Dr. Runnebaum replaces Kathleen Leyden, who retired from state service in March, and will begin in her new role on August 4.

As Director of the Maine Coastal Program, Runnebaum will coordinate federal/state/local partnerships to develop, manage, and implement initiatives that target coastal natural resource conservation and development.

MCP priorities include the implementation of Maine Won’t Wait, Maine’s award-winning climate plan, and the state’s new Resilient Maine program, focusing on working waterfront conservation, habitat restoration, climate resilience and coastal literacy. 

“I’m excited to lead this program that works so closely with engaged partners to address the complex and evolving challenges that face Maine’s coastal communities, economies, and environment,” said Dr. Runnebaum.

During her time at TNC, Runnebaum helped to advance the organization’s marine and coastal conservation initiatives in the Gulf of Maine and nationally, working collaboratively with resource managers, industry partners, and scientists to advance evidence-based policies and programs that improve the ecological health of the Gulf of Maine. Her work at TNC focused on the intersection of science, policy, and management for climate resilient fisheries and sustainable aquaculture.

Runnebaum chaired NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Resource Advisory Committee and is currently serving on the New England Fisheries Management Council’s Climate and Ecosystem Steering Committee, advising both committees on how to incorporate ecosystem information and fishermen’s knowledge into management processes.

She participated in and authored numerous studies, including one designed to understand the environmental benefits of kelp aquaculture, and three journal articles that examined fishermen’s perceptions of the impacts of climate change on their businesses and fishing communities.

Runnebaum also worked to support low-impact offshore wind development, representing TNC on the Maine Offshore Wind Research Consortium.

Runnebaum has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, and a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from the University of Maine in Orono.

Before joining TNC, Runnebaum worked for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game as a Fisheries Biologist, fished commercially for salmon in Alaska, trained sled dogs for an Iditarod musher, and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia working with fish farmers.

The Maine Coastal Program is scheduled to move from DMR to the Maine Office of Community Affairs (MOCA) in the fall, however DMR will administer the program until then and will continue to partner with the program after the move. MOCA was established by the legislature in 2024 to engage with municipalities, tribal governments and regional councils to provide coordinated and efficient planning, technical assistance and financial support to better plan for challenges, pursue solutions and create stronger, more resilient communities.