CHOW Agenda | Sponsors | Honorary Congressional Committee | Leadership Awards Dinner | Event Calendar

Every year in June, for the past eight years, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation has recognized our nation’s Ocean Heroes at its annual Leadership Awards Dinner. At the dinner, the NMSF presents its Leadership Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and the NMSF Volunteer of the Year Award.

Leadership Awards

This year, we will honor two Members of Congress who have consistently and vocally supported the national marine sanctuaries: the co-chairs of the National Marine Sanctuary Caucus, Congresswoman Lois Capps and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.

Lifetime Achievement Award

We are pleased to honor Julie Packard, Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, for her commitment to ocean sustainability and leadership in marine conservation over the past three decades.

Volunteer of the Year Award

Each of our 14 national marine sanctuaries has nominated an outstanding volunteer to be recognized for his or her dedication and service, and the winner will be announced at the event.


Boyd Matson, from the National Geographic Channel, will be the master of ceremonies. Guests of this black-tie optional, annual dinner include Members and staff of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives; Administration officials; ocean luminaries, scientists, and academics in marine conservation; and representatives from conservation organizations and ocean-related industries.

The program this year includes not only our award presentations, but also recognition of a very special milestone: NMSF’s 10th anniversary year. In celebration, a portion of the program will honor the founders of the organization and a champagne toast will commemorate the occasion.

The event will be held June 8 from 6:30-10 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

Leadership Awards Dinner table sponsorships range from $3,500-$5,000. Individual tickets are $250.

For more information on table sponsorships or to order tickets, please contact Allison Alexander by phone (301) 608-3040 ext 3 or email.