Our Team

Ted Morton, Executive Director

Ted has more than 25 years of experience in ocean conservation policy and leadership. Ted previously directed The Pew Charitable Trusts oceans’ programmatic work at the federal level and directed a campaign at the Environmental Defense Fund to improve the international trade of coral reef wildlife. He served as the vice president of organizational effectiveness and operations at SeaWeb, director of operations at the Pew Institute for Ocean Science, and federal policy director for Oceana. As policy director at American Oceans Campaign, he was instrumental in the 2000 passage of legislation that strengthened water testing and public notification programs nationwide. He has also led several ocean and clean water advocacy coalitions throughout his career.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Furman University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law. Ted grew up in Atlanta and in his free time, he enjoys traveling, running, hiking, swimming, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.

Veronica Moran, Program Assistant

Veronica joined the team in 2023 to provide administrative support and assist with Channelkeeper’s monitoring, education and community engagement programs. She was first introduced to Channelkeeper in junior high while volunteering for an elementary school science education program. This experience sparked her love for environmental conservation. Veronica earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Environmental Science from CSU Monterey Bay. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and going to the beach with her dog. 

Nate Irwin, Policy Associate

Nate Irwin joined the Channelkeeper team in September, 2023. He works to guide policy that will ensure the protection of our Channel and the watersheds that feed it, and is active in inspiring our community to get involved in protecting these precious and important spaces. Prior to his work with the Channelkeeper, Nate created an art and advocacy platform, Illuminate Conservation, that raises awareness and funding for endangered species conservation. Nate was born in Santa Barbara and has a Master’s degree in Environmental Advocacy for Social Justice and Sustainability from Antioch New England. When he is not working to protect the ecosystems and watersheds of Santa Barbara County, he is out surfing, snowboarding, playing beach volleyball, painting, or hiking with his dog Stella.

Annie Lovell, Development Director

Annie joined the Santa Barbara Channelkeeper team at the end of 2023 to help develop strategic partnerships and raise funds to support Channelkeeper’s mission and programs. With a love of the water and a life-long dedication to protecting our environment, Annie looks forward to strengthening connections between Channelkeeper, the community, our watersheds, and the ocean. 

Annie began her career as an environmental consultant, focusing on water resource management, and as a project coordinator for a small watershed management non-profit in Hawaii. She then worked in the international adventure travel industry before moving to Santa Barbara to pursue her master’s degree in environmental science and management from the UCSB Bren School, specializing in Coastal Marine Resource Management. Annie is excited to combine her background in environmental science with her experience in fundraising, grant writing, and community building. As an ocean lover and outdoor enthusiast, Annie spends much of her time surfing, outrigger canoe paddling, swimming, diving, sailing, hiking, cycling, and exploring the places she is working to protect.