New Leader on Board at Marine Mammal Center
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center hired Laguna resident Carole Zavala as interim executive director, the organization announced last week.
Zavala recently served as interim director for Laguna Beach Seniors while the organization searched for a permanent director.
Zavala succeeds Colleen O’Higgins, hired in December who had led the staff and volunteers organizing clean up and determining damages and a recovery plan. “She was there, wearing boots and a surgical mask on Christmas Eve, keeping everyone focused and upbeat,” said Jock Stalker, the center’s president. “At her direction, we were able to get the facilities repaired and the evacuated animals returned to the center rapidly,” he said.
Even so, O’Higgins resigned in February to accept a development job at UC Irvine, he said.
Established in 1971, Pacific Marine Mammal Center is the only organization of its kind in Orange County, responding to about 300 marine mammal rescue calls each year.
For more info: 949.494.3050 or visit the center at www.pacificmmc.org.
Foundation Adds Trustee
Lawyer Mark Powell joined the board of the Laguna Beach Community Foundation, chair Laura Tarbox announced.
Powell, a local resident since 1996, is a managing partner of Albrecht & Barney and is an adjunct professor at Chapman University School of Law. He also serves as president-elect of the Orange County Advisors in Philanthropy and on other boards.
“I have been involved with Laguna Beach charities in a variety of ways over the last 15 years, and am constantly amazed by what gets done in our town. By providing resources and leadership, the Laguna Beach Community Foundation can help our charitable programs get stronger. I look forward to being part of that work,” stated Powell.
For more info: visit www.lagunabeachcommunityfoundation.org.
