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WHO WE ARE

AWF was founded in 1996 by a team of passionate individuals who wanted to shed light on the amazing behaviors of the endangered humpback whales in Southeast Alaska.

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The diverse team of biologists, educators, vessel captains and illustrators were inspired by Fred Sharpe’s early work on the social behavior of the region's humpbacks. Together, they fueled an appreciation for the animals and elicited the generous support of individuals, conservation organizations and Alaskan communities.

 

Decades later, AWF continues to study marine mammals and coastal ecosystems, but with more resources, established scientists and collaborators, and ambitious graduate students and undergraduate interns.  As well, the organization has developed a permanent research base in a wild and pristine coastal ecosystem on Baranof Island.  Today, AWF is able to fully realize its mission through ambitious scientific research, long-term ecological monitoring, student mentoring, and outreach.

OUR TEAM

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Andy Szabo

Executive Director

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Dana Bloch

Graduate Fellow

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Martin Van Aswegen

Graduate Fellow

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Gussie Hollars

Graduate Fellow

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Cindy Moore

Visual Designer

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Alyssa Russell 

Communications Contractor 

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Jim Nahmens

Board President

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Steve Morello

Board Vice President

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Jim Brennan

Board Secretary

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Don Holmes

Board Treasurer

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Pat Sharpe

Board Member

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Fred Sharpe

Board Member

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Madison Kosma, MSc

Board Member

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Grant Riewe

Board Member

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Elsa Sebastian

Legacy Board Member

OUR PARTNERS

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