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EBB & FLOW
KEEPING CURRENT ON THE COAST
Hallie Jones , the new executive vice president and chief program officer for Crystal Cove Conservancy
FROM THE CANYON TO THE COAST
Hallie Jones , who has led the Laguna Canyon Foundation as executive director for the past decade , is making a move to the Crystal Cove Conservancy . Jones will start as executive vice president and chief program officer — a new position created by the nonprofit — on Sept . 11 . In this role , she will focus on strategic development of the conservancy ’ s community engagement and advocacy programs , “ guiding the organization ’ s work to become a leading convening voice on conservation and issues facing protected lands and waters ,” according to a news release . Also under her purview is ensuring the continued expansion of the conservancy ’ s science , technology , engineering and math , or STEM , education programs for students in kindergarten through college including the development of a coastal engineering program in partnership with UC Irvine ’ s Samueli School of Engineering . For college-aged students , the conservancy currently has an internship , but plans to increase its offerings . Jones brings more than 20 years of experience to the job : She spent more than a decade at Heal the Bay in Santa Monica and then joined Laguna Canyon Foundation in 2013 . Additionally , she serves on the OC Parks Commission and the Natural Communities Coalition board and is a member of the Safe Trails Coalition . “ We are thrilled to welcome Hallie to the Crystal Cove Conservancy team ,” said Kate Wheeler , president and CEO of Crystal Cove Conservancy , in the news release . “ She is the perfect person to help lead the conservancy as we continue to shift our focus to prioritize expanding our STEM education and community programming to inspire more people to care for vulnerable places like Crystal Cove .” ( 949-376-6200 ; crystalcove . org ) — Sharon Stello
RAISING THE BARRE
Further cementing a connection between the American Ballet Theatre and the ballet school at Segerstrom Center for the Arts , Susan Brooker was recently appointed artistic director of the school following 15 years as an artistic adviser , teacher and examiner for ABT ’ s National Training Curriculum . Notably , ABT signed on as Segerstrom Center ’ s official dance company in 2021 and the school bears its name : the American Ballet Theatre William J . Gillespie School . Brooker
The American Ballet Theatre William J . Gillespie School has appointed a new artistic director .
brings extensive ballet knowledge from her leadership experience in the U . S ., Europe , Canada and Japan . In her new position , Brooker will oversee all levels of the Children ’ s Division , the Pre-Professional Division , OC Young Dancer Summer Workshop , master class series and summer dance programs . A specialist in ballet pedagogy and curriculum development , Brooker ’ s students have won many prestigious international dance competitions . Brooker was chosen for the Gillespie School position due to her expertise , passion , positive attitude and strong leadership that will elevate the curriculum and allow students to perform to their highest potential . ( 714-556-2787 ; scfta . org ) — Izzy De Leon
AS THE ORANGE COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART APPROACHES ITS FIRST ANNIVERSARY IN THE NEW BUILD- ING AT THE SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS CAMPUS , IT ’ S CELEBRATING A HUGE TURNOUT WITH NEARLY 250,000 VISITORS DURING THE PAST YEAR — THAT ’ S 11.5 TIMES THE ANNUAL ATTEN- DANCE AT THE FORMER LOCATION IN NEWPORT BEACH . NOTABLY , ADMISSION TO OCMA IS FREE FOR THE FIRST DECADE , THANKS TO A DONATION BY NEWPORT-BASED LUGANO DIAMONDS . ( OCMA . ART )
TOP : COURTESY OF HALLIE JONES ; BOTTOM : ELAINA FRANCES
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