Third co-manager of marine monument chosen
Susan White is expected to begin work in July as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service co-manager of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, the agency recently announced.
The 137,792-square-mile monument, encompassing waters of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, was established a year ago by President Bush.
White will share management duties with Aulani Wilhelm of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Athline Clark of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
"Susan's great experience in marine conservation issues and her varied experience with the Service will ensure that she will be an excellent addition to the monument management team," said Ren Lohoefener, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Pacific Region.
White's conservation work has included working as a park manager and a public affairs specialist for the Nature Conservancy, the Center for Marine Conservation and the World Wildlife Fund.
White began her career with the Fish and Wildlife Service in 1997, working as a marine biologist in Florida, marine resources coordinator in Washington, D.C., and deputy refuge supervisor for 28 Florida refuges.
White was born on Okinawa and raised in suburban Detroit. She has bachelor of science degrees in marine biology and earth science with a concentration in oceanography from Central Michigan University.
"Being part of this unique collaboration is exciting, and I am humbled and honored to be given the opportunity to help conserve this exceptional piece of the world with our state, NOAA, native Hawaiian and community partners," White said in an announcement.