Santa Monica Bay Restoration Foundation Names New President

The Santa Monica Bay Restoration Foundation has named Laurie Newman, an environmental activist, as its new president.

“I’m honored and excited to elevate my involvement with the SMBRF,” Newman said in a statement. “I have been involved with the Bay Commission since 1995. I am so proud to see the growth of the organization, one that has always been about bringing stakeholders together to clean up local waters."

Newman, who was elected by the foundation's board a few months ago, highlighted the work of Shelley Luce, the foundation's executive director, in using science and research to clean up the local watershed.

"I am excited to serve as President of the SMBRF, an organization that will continue to work collaboratively and lead the way in restoring Santa Monica Bay,” Newman said.

The Santa Monica Bay Restoration Foundation is one of several organizations that has been working with California State Parks on the Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project, which began in June.

Newman was involved in drafting legislation that led to the creation of the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission in 2002 under State Senator Sheila Kuehl. 

She has also served on the Santa Monica Commission on the Status of Women, Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council, National Council of Community and Justice Santa Monica Bay Area Chapter Member, Santa Monica AIDS Project and Santa Monica Democratic Club.

The foundation serves as the non-profit partner of the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission. The foundation aims to restore the Santa Monica Bay, which stretches from Point Dume in Malibu to the Palos Verdes Peninsula.