Charleston, S.C. — Oct. 22, 2025 — The Coastal Conservation League is honored to announce that Lori Cary-Kothera will join the organization as Chief Conservation Officer (CCO). She begins her role Nov. 3, 2025.
A lifelong coastal advocate, Cary-Kothera has dedicated her career to protecting and restoring diverse communities and resources across the Southeast and at the national level. She joins the Conservation League from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where, as Director of Climate Resilience and Adaptation, she designed and executed the agency’s climate resilience strategy.
“Having called Charleston home for more than 30 years, I’m deeply connected to this place and its people,” she said. “I understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing our coast, and I’m eager to devote my time and energy to advancing the issues that matter most here.”
Cary-Kothera spent more than 20 years at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) directing coastal resilience programs and community projects that safeguarded wetlands, reduced flooding, and prepared communities for sea-level rise. In collaboration with the Land Trust Alliance, she pioneered the Maine Coast Protection Initiative, engaging with more than 100 land trusts to create coastal conservation plans that address sea-level rise impact.
“I am excited to work with Lori in helping to create responsible and thoughtful solutions that protect the unique ecology and vibrant communities of our coastal zone,” said Robert Boyles, Senior Advisor for Conservation Policy, Advocacy, and Leadership.
Cary-Kothera was repeatedly recognized for her work at NOAA, earning the Bronze Award from the EPA in 2017 and the U.S. Department of Commerce Bronze Medal in 2016. Following her extensive experience at NOAA, she was tapped to serve as the Director of Climate Adaptation and Resilience for the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s Office of Sustainability, and she spent two years working with officials to embed resilience into infrastructure and energy planning.
“We are delighted to welcome Lori to the Conservation League,” said Faith Rivers James, Executive Director. “Her substantive background, deep experience influencing policymakers, and unique ability to connect with local communities will be a terrific asset as she leads our conservation staff in addressing the environmental challenges across our coastal plain.”
A dynamic public speaker, Cary-Kothera will serve as both a key voice for the Coastal Conservation League and as a core member of the organization’s senior leadership team. As CCO, she will drive the mission forward by advancing strategic priorities, deepening community impact, and intensifying environmental advocacy.
“We are excited to welcome Lori to the Coastal Conservation League,” said Kent Griffin, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her seasoned expertise and commitment to environmental stewardship are critical to the League’s efforts to expand advocacy and engagement around conservation programs and policies that protect our natural environment.”
Cary-Kothera earned a Master of Science in Oceanography from Florida Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Science from Bowling Green State University.
About the Coastal Conservation League: The Coastal Conservation League is South Carolina’s preeminent environmental advocacy organization. For more than three decades, our mission has been to protect the natural environment of the South Carolina coastal plain for the benefit of all.
Media contact: Meg Mathis, Public Relations Director, megm@scccl.org