Meet the people whose dedication, expertise
and vision drive our transformative marine conservation work and global impact.
Our Staff
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
she/her/hersChloe leads Reef-World's strategic vision for healthy, thriving coral reefs, drawing on her experience as a BSAC instructor and marine biologist since beginning as a volunteer in the marine conservation sector in 2008. With a diving history dating back to age 12, she leverages her extensive network across global marine tourism and coral reef conservation sectors to shape all aspects of our work and partnerships. Chloe's leadership encompasses influencing global conservation policy, developing valuable corporate partnerships, and cultivating Reef-World's distinctive Culture of Care, making her instrumental in advancing our mission to protect marine ecosystems worldwide.
Favourite species: Wunderpus Octopus (Wunderpus photogenicus)
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OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
he/him/hisJJ serves as Reef-World's Operations Director, bringing his experience as a Divemaster and marine biologist to foster organisational growth and impact. Since first volunteering in 2008, he has built deep connections within the global marine tourism industry, collaborating effectively with governments, NGOs, standards and training agencies to drive sustainability initiatives. JJ now provides comprehensive leadership across all operational areas and partnerships while ensuring legal compliance and managing Reef-World's financial resources to support meaningful marine conservation outcomes worldwide.
Favourite species: Blue Ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena lunulata)
Contact: jj@reef-world.org
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PROGRAMMES MANAGER
they/them/theirsDev manages Reef-World's Programmes with over a decade of experience in interdisciplinary marine conservation leadership roles. As an award-winning conservation professional, they guide the Programmes team in delivering measurable real-world conservation outcomes while cultivating strong relationships with partners and stakeholders. Dev's strategic leadership helps scale our impact and secure a sustainable future for coral reef ecosystems worldwide.
Favourite species: Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Contact: dev@reef-world.org
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SENIOR PROGRAMMES OFFICER
she/her/hersEmma leads Reef-World's programs operations, partnering with governments and NGOs to implement Green Fins from national to local levels. She directs our capacity building and environmental education initiatives through training, workshops and online courses, while maintaining high-quality, efficient systems throughout our work. Emma is also our social secretary, helping create a fun, cohesive team dynamic for our remote team.
Favourite species: Coconut octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus)
Contact: emma@reef-world.org
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PROGRAMMES OFFICER (DIGITAL COMMUNITY)
she/her/hersErin manages Reef-World's digital community initiatives, building a collaborative and diverse network through the Green Fins program. As the lead for Green Fins Digital Members, she guides stakeholders and partners in learning and implementing actions that create meaningful conservation impact. Erin also provides valuable support for our various programs and capacity building activities, helping to strengthen marine conservation efforts across our communities.
Favourite species: Giant Frogfish (Antennarius commerson)
Get to know Erin
Contact: erin@reef-world.org
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PROGRAMMES OFFICER (DATA ANALYST)
he/him/hisSam spearheads the management and analysis of Reef-World's extensive conservation data while serving as the linchpin in our monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities. Through his ability to transform complex datasets into compelling narratives, he brings our conservation impact stories to life, empowering stakeholders and partners to leverage these valuable insights for meaningful environmental change. Sam also provides crucial support for implementing our diverse programmes and capacity building activities.
Favourite species: Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus)
Contact: sam.wilson@reef-world.org
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CONSULTANT (Programmes and Communication)
she/her/hersSam first volunteered with the Green Fins programme in 2012 before officially joining Reef-World in 2015. She evolved from Project Manager to Programmes Manager, and transitioned to a consultant role in 2022. In addition to leading Reef-World’s Programmes, she has shaped our internal processes —from helping establish our Culture of Care to refining our project management frameworks and recruitment systems. Today, Sam continues to provide vital support to our Programmes and Communications teams while offering strategic institutional guidance.
Favourite species: Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera picta)
Contact: sam@reef-world.org
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CONSULTANT (CREATIVE)
she/her/hersJula began her journey with Reef-World as an intern before advancing to Communications Manager, and she now serves in a creative consultancy role. Throughout her tenure, she has refined our brand identity, imagery, and messaging to be both accessible and captivating, effectively connecting audiences with marine conservation causes. With a passion for merging behaviour change theories with design principles, Jula continually pushes the boundaries of what creative communication can achieve for conservation impact, translating complex environmental messages into compelling visuals that inspire meaningful action.
Favourite species: Oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus)
Contact: juliana@reef-world.org
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VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
she/her/hersHolly serves as a Virtual Assistant and owner of 20eleven Virtual Assistant, specialising in supporting purpose-led organisations committed to positive environmental and social change. She provides essential administrative support to Reef-World's Directors, helping to keep our conservation “train” running on time and smoothly so we can achieve our conservation goals.
Our Trustees
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CHAIR
he/him/hisMatt has been working in the charity sector for more than a decade as both a fundraiser and grant-maker. He has experience of running small charities and shepherding programmes all the way from inception through to final evaluation. He specialises in improving organisational governance and operations, with a focus on building the capacity of trustee boards and turning strategy into action. He has supported a wide range of projects on health, education, employment and the environment, in the UK and internationally.
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VICE CHAIR
she/ her/ hersKate Woode is a seasoned charity consultant with two decades of experience, largely supporting smaller nonprofits. Her expertise lies in driving growth through strategic fundraising, compelling communications, and targeted marketing. She also excels in facilitating strategic planning and service development, enabling charities to achieve their goals. Kate’s breadth of expertise is a vital support to our growing team.
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TREASURER
she/her/hersJenny is a qualified chartered accountant joining Reef-World in January 2025 as Trustee Treasurer. She has worked as an accountant and advisor to companies across many sectors, including several large international NGOs and brings a depth of experience in financial reporting and planning to support Reef-World as we continue to grow. Jenny loves all marine environments and enjoys her time snorkelling with her family, most recently in the Maldives.
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James joined the board after 3+ years as Reef-World’s Digital Strategy Manager having achieved our ambitious goals in digital product development such as Green Fins digital membership, Green Fins Hub, Community Forum and online courses. James, an avid temperate and tropical diver and natural problem solver, continues to provide valuable guidance and support to Reef-World’s leadership and our ever-expanding digital tools, data and legal obligations.
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Matt is the co-owner of Evolution Diving Resort, a prestigious recreational and technical dive operator in the Philippines that since 2012, has consistently been a Green Fins Global Top 10 member . He is a seasoned technical and rebreather diver, instructor trainer and deep-wreck explorer with over two decades of global experience. Matt’s experience as a Green Fins member and respected member of the scuba diving community grounds our work as he represents the voice of our major stakeholders.
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Founder of Al Mahara Diving Center, Kathleen pioneers sustainability efforts in the UAE and is recognised on several fronts: as the first PADI Eco Diver Center certified in the region, and recently receiving the Sheikh Hamdan Environmental Award as an Environmental Influencer.
She is a Reef Check Instructor Trainer and Climate Fresk facilitator, leads mangrove restoration efforts and spearheads youth environmental education. As the owner of a top-performing Green Fins Digital Member, Kathleen inspires our work by representing a global community driven to reach a triple bottom line.
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Aey is a dedicated and passionate marine conservationist with a strong background in coral reef and seagrass protection. Her career spans leading impactful biodiversity projects, securing GEF funding, and fostering fruitful public-private collaborations. She's been a vital force in shaping Green Fins since 2005, both globally and with the Thailand National Team. Through experience gained through her work with the IUCN and UNDP, Aey supports us through her understanding of sustainable tourism models and long-term conservation strategies.
Our Founder
Anne Paranjoti (nee Miller) established The Reef-World Foundation as a Charitable Trust in the UK in 1999.
A management science graduate and software consultant by trade, Anne followed her passion for the ocean and worked as a scuba diving instructor around the world. Anne found her conservation home in Thailand in 1993. She saw firsthand how the spectacular reefs were drawing increasing numbers of tourists and that not all communities were benefiting from this rise. She began working with local fishing communities to improve their English and learn about the reef so they, in turn, could engage with and educate tourists to use their natural resources sustainably.
Anne developed strong links with the United Nations Environment Programme and the Phuket Marine Biological Center, and her academic and professional background, coupled with her vast experience in the scuba diving industry, was central to developing the systems, structure and values of the Green Fins initiative.
Anne’s values of inspiring and empowering coastal communities for the sustainable use of marine resources continue to be the guiding lights for our team.
“There are a lot of parallels that can be drawn between one of our own communities and a coral reef – that’s where the idea for Reef-World originated. I wanted to find a way to quickly illuminate for a snorkeller or diver what was going on in the reef system and to give people an opportunity to do something to help protect them.”