Surfrider Seattle Chapter Team
Morgan Lipe - Chair
Morgan is an educator and passionate advocate for environmental, educational, and social justice. A native of the Pacific Northwest, she works to combat plastic pollution in our beautiful waterways through sustainable practices, beach cleanups, and supporting legislation to reduce plastic waste. Morgan leverages her leadership skills to support the organization with a relational and community-focused approach. She has participated in state and federal lobby days and engaged with local elected officials to advance environmental policy. Morgan loves spending her time exploring the wonderfully diverse natural landscapes of the PNW with her family, and she remains dedicated to bettering the environment for future generations.
Diana Haass - Vice Chair
Diana joined Surfrider in early 2023 as a way to connect with the Seattle community and to contribute towards sustainability efforts. As a Washington native, she has always been an ocean-lover and is passionate about preservation and conservation. Diana loves to talk about the San Juan Islands, dogs, and water recreation! Her career is centered around marine technology and her favorite animal is a Manta Ray. Chat with Diana about ways to get involved with Surfrider!
Brooke Kaufman - Beach Cleanups Coordinatorr
Brooke first discovered Surfrider through research for an article on surfing communities in Washington. As a San Diego native, Brooke always hoped to find a group of fellow ocean enthusiasts in Seattle. Joining the Surfrider community has allowed Brooke to become an advocate for coastal preservation, cleaner waterways, and accessible beaches for all. Brooke graduated from the University of Washington in 2021 and is the Communications Director for the Seattle Clemency Project. In her spare time, Brooke loves sunset swims, backpacking, and testing the limits of her two-wheel drive vehicle.
James Small - Treasurer
James joined Surfrider as a way to combine his love of the ocean with the chance to share his skills and experience with an organization working to protect it. After more than a decade in the Seattle area, he has developed a deep appreciation for the Pacific Northwest’s beaches, waterways, and outdoor lifestyle. A casual surfer and longtime ocean-lover, he is passionate about protecting the coast so everyone can enjoy clean beaches, healthy waterways, and access to the outdoors for generations to come. James works in finance and enjoys bringing his experience in planning and budgeting to his role as Treasurer. Outside of work, he enjoys surfing, sailing, exploring the Washington coast, and spending time outside with his family. James is excited to help strengthen the chapter, build community partnerships, and support programs that connect more people to the ocean.
Madi Pickett - Communications
Madi immediately joined Surfrider Seattle when she moved to Seattle in Fall of 2020 as a way to meet people who also care for and love the ocean and our beaches. Madi works as an engieer designing systems that collect ocean and arctic data. In her free time, you can find her out in the mountains climbing and exploring or out at sea sailing or diving. She's currently working on making her home more plastic free and reducing her overall plastic consumption.
Colleen Henn - Communications
Colleen’s an east coast native that moved to Seattle a few years ago and hasn’t looked back ! Colleen works in Sustainability and Communications, and even worked for Surfrider HQ for many years. Colleen’s ocean-related passions include paddling for small waves but missing most of them, devouring books under an umbrella on the beach, letting her dog get the zoomies in the sand, and sharing her favorite plastic-free swaps. Colleen's very excited to get back into grassroots activism, support the chapter, and reach more people!
Maria Travaille - Member at Large
Maria is a nature lover and surfer who has lived in Bolivia, Los Angeles, London, and Seattle. She is passionate about protecting the ocean for both humans and the beautiful beings that call it home. Her favorite animal is a whale shark. Maria holds an MSc in Environmental Policy from the London School of Economics and works in carbon management, helping companies and organizations reduce emissions and remove carbon from the atmosphere. Maria is excited to support the chaper and build community in the PNW!
Kylie West - Member at Large
Kylie is an ocean lover and surfer from Southern California with a passion for protecting marine wildlife. In 2023, she moved to Washington to pivot her career path and earn a B.S. in Marine Biology. She is now a graduate student pursuing a Master's in Marine Affairs at the University of Washington. Kylie is excited about combining her loves for science, policy, and community outreach as a Surfrider volunteer!
