September 22, 2022 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Coastkeeper announces Phillip Musegaas, a seventeen-year veteran of the Waterkeeper Alliance, as its incoming executive director starting October 10.
“We are thrilled that Phillip is bringing his dynamic leadership, energy, and creativity to the fight for drinkable, fishable, and swimmable waters in our region.” says Chanté Coleman, interim chair of Coastkeeper’s board of directors. “Over his career, he has gained expertise with many complex water issues facing communities and this experience is critical to continue Coastkeeper’s track record of success and far-reaching impacts.”
Musegaas comes to Coastkeeper from his position as vice president of programs and litigation at Potomac Riverkeeper Network and formerly served as legal director at Hudson Riverkeeper. His legal and advocacy leadership oversaw the closure of the Indian Point nuclear power plant, forced ExxonMobil to clean up a 17-million-gallon oil spill in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, established a $20 million environmental benefit fund for Greenpoint residents, and launched an environmental justice fellowship at Howard University Law School, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C.
Matt O’Malley will step down after nearly nine years of hard work and dedication as Coastkeeper’s outgoing executive director and managing attorney. “Matt has done a tremendous job leading our organization over his tenure, facing numerous challenges and addressing our water needs collaboratively and creatively. We are very fortunate and grateful to have had Matt as part of our team, and we look forward to his continued involvement,” notes Coleman.
Environmental advocates and leaders throughout San Diego County will welcome Phillip at Celebrate Clean Water, Coastkeeper’s annual bayside event on Wednesday, October 26, 5-7 p.m. at the Bali Hai Restaurant. Tickets are $25 and include complimentary beverages and light refreshments. Visit the Celebrate Clean Water website to purchase tickets and learn more.
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About San Diego Coastkeeper
Founded in 1995, San Diego Coastkeeper protects and restores San Diego County’s bays, beaches, watersheds, and ocean for the people and wildlife that depend on them. Coastkeeper balances community outreach, education, science, and advocacy to promote clean water stewardship and a healthy coastal ecosystem. For more information, visit sdcoastkeeper.org.
