September 2026: A Message from our New CEO
Dear friends of Crystal Cove,
As I wrap up my first week as CEO at Crystal Cove Conservancy, I’m struck by a few things. I’ve worked in conservation for 25 years, but each day still brings something that surprises me.
Yesterday, I was surprised by the Cooper’s hawk roosting in a eucalyptus right near Cottage #5. And the red-tailed hawk on the power pole, watching over our Cove Talk on white sharks with Dr. Chris Lowe of CSULB’s Shark Lab. I was surprised, as I always am, by the flock of California brown pelicans gliding by at eye level from the deck of Cottage #34.
But mostly, I’ve been surprised by you. By the warm welcome I’ve gotten from every volunteer, every donor, every member, and every cottage guest as I’ve stepped into this role. By your passion for the little moments, like the chance to watercolor and wine at Creative Currents, and for the big initiatives, like engaging the next generation of environmental scientists in our upcoming fire ecology program.
I’ve spent the past three years here at Crystal Cove Conservancy as Executive Vice President, after previously serving as Executive Director of Laguna Canyon Foundation. Through those roles, I’ve seen again and again how much conservation depends on people who care deeply enough to show up for the places they love.
This work—the sometimes hard and messy, sometimes glorious and deeply fulfilling work of protecting open spaces, our beaches, and our ocean; of inspiring people to protect the things we all love by creating places where each of us can connect to one another and to our coast—this work is only possible because of you.
So thank you. Thank you for welcoming me into this role with critical questions and pressing opinions, with warmth and enthusiasm for what comes next for Crystal Cove. We couldn’t do it without you.
For our coast and ocean,
Hallie Jones
CEO