Crystal Cove Conservancy promotes Hallie Jones to chief executive
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Crystal Cove Conservancy announced Friday the promotion of Hallie Jones to chief executive.
Jones, who is also in her first term on the Laguna Beach City Council and serving as mayor pro tem, has long championed environmental matters for both the ocean and open space.
Prior to joining the conservancy as executive vice president in September 2023, Jones spent a decade as executive director of Laguna Canyon Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to protecting the 22,000 acres of the South Coast Wilderness system of parks and preserves. She also served as communications director, development specialist, and public affairs manager for Santa Monica-based Heal the Bay.
Jones, who had moved up to president of the conservancy, will begin her new position Aug. 26, succeeding Kate Wheeler, who after seven years will become president and chief executive of the Catalina Island Conservancy.
“I know firsthand the exceptional talent of the team — including California State Parks — I will be working alongside, as well as the dedication of our board, supporters and extraordinary corps of volunteers, all of whom care deeply about Crystal Cove,” Jones said in a news release..
Jones currently serves as an Orange County Parks commissioner, and she is on the board of the Natural Communities Coalition.
Crystal Cove Conservancy, founded in 1999, supports conservation research, habitat restoration, STEM education programs and stewardship of the area’s cultural and natural resources.
Since joining the nonprofit partner of Crystal Cove State Park, Jones has been credited with expanding conservation and education programs, advancing philanthropic support and leading organizational operations.
“Throughout her tenure, Hallie has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision and an unwavering commitment to our mission,” Crystal Cove Conservancy Board Chair Teddie Ray said. “Her accomplishments, strong community relationships, and ability to inspire others make her uniquely qualified to lead Crystal Cove Conservancy into its next exciting chapter.”
