Daniel Pingaro to Step Down as CEO of Sailors for the Sea - Sailors for the Sea

Daniel Pingaro to Step Down as CEO of Sailors for the Sea

Press Release

 

Newport, Rhode Island – March 6, 2013 – Sailors for the Sea, the premier ocean conservation nonprofit focused on the sailing and boating community, today announced that Daniel Pingaro plans to step down in late 2013 as CEO and executive director.

Speaking for the Sailors for the Sea board, David Rockefeller, Jr., founder and Chairman, said, “I and the Board of Directors are very grateful to Dan for moving us from ambition to reality, from a well-kept secret to a respected brand in the ocean conservation arena. With relatively modest resources, he and his staff have brought luster to the Sailors for the Sea brand.”

As CEO, Pingaro led Sailors for the Sea through a period of strong growth that began when he joined the organization in early 2008. Sailors for the Sea developed from an east coast organization with a nascent program and a handful of participants to a global brand with multiple programs that involve over 100,000 participants annually, along with dozens of partnership alliances.

“I have enjoyed leading Sailors for the Sea onto the worldwide stage. The organization is now poised to continue expanding globally in both strategic and programmatic fashion, and I look forward to witnessing its progress as I find new leadership opportunities. Meanwhile, I will continue to remain involved with complimentary endeavors as an Advisor to the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, and the Stellwagen Bank NMS Advisory Council.”

Sailors for the Sea wrapped up 2012 with its inaugural fundraising auction held at Christie’s in New York City, raising over $750,000 in ocean conservation funding, making it the most successful fundraising year in Sailors for the Sea history, and setting a strong foundation for 2013 and beyond.

During the past five years, Pingaro developed a network of partnerships and alliances that moved Sailors for the Sea from a regional organization to one with a more national and even global sphere of influence. Sailors for the Sea partners and supporters include: The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, Pew Environmental Group and The Scripps Institute of Oceanography among others. He initiated negotiations resulting in the historic Sailors for the Sea/America’s Cup partnership, which made it the first environmental nonprofit partner in the 160+ year history of the America’s Cup.

“I am sure we will have many opportunities to collaborate with Dan in the future, and he will have our continued support as he moves into his next role. We are grateful to him for his willingness to remain in his current position until October 1,” noted Rockefeller, “and The Sailors for the Sea board will begin an immediate search for the next executive director.”

About Sailors for the Sea
Founded in 2004, Sailors for the Sea is a nonprofit organization that educates and empowers the boating community to protect and restore our oceans and local waters. For more information or to participate in any of the Sailors for the Sea programs, or to support the organization, visit www.sailorsforthesea.org.