Kate Thompson

Experience

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  Travel Michigan

  May 1999 - Sept 2001

  Tourism Researcher
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  RSIS for NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

  Jan 2001 - Mar 2004

  Education And Outreach Coordinator
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  QSS Group, Inc. for NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

  Mar 2004 - Nov 2007

  Education Specialist
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  NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

  Nov 2007 - May 2013

  Implemented yearly strategic plan for the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) education program that provided leadership for the educational initiatives for ONMS based on developed program performance measures. Coordinated evaluation effectiveness of education program and plans; coordinated assessments of user/customer satisfaction of education and outreach products, services, and programs; carried out program evaluations, analyzing for relevance, documenting the results of such evaluations, and making recommendations for program improvements and the development of performance measures. Coordinated the management and quality process review (based on design of ONMS best practices) of education, outreach, marketing, and communication materials and tools for ONMS based on knowledge in the design and management of Earth system science education programs and/or products. Show less Developed and sustained large strategic partnerships and incorporated strategic partners (private, non-profit, and university) in relevant sanctuary outreach and education activities; built and maintained effective connections with the education and outreach community as a part of NOS, and identified potential partners among other NOAA offices and programs to enhance cooperative efforts.). Coordinated, conducted, developed and evaluated education, outreach and/or communication activities such as media campaigns, press releases, OP-EDs, brochures, fact sheets, exhibits, A/V support, PSAs, large coordinated outreach programs, visitor centers (development and programming), exhibits, special events planning, and press conference coordination. Show less Managed multiple evaluated education programs utilizing extensive knowledge of nat. educ. standards, policies and procedures under tight time constraints that translate the management of natural/cultural resources found within the sanctuary program for students and teachers through technology, multi-cultural and formal education formats (i.e. curriculum). Coordinated program involvement in evaluated special education programs developed closely with experts/partners in the field of Ocean Education to levy outside funding/resources to communicate stewardship for elementary, secondary, post-secondary levels, and/or adult education programs. Show less

  • National Education Coordinator- Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

    Jun 2009 - May 2013

  • National Outreach Coordinator- Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

    Feb 2008 - Jun 2009

  • Education Specialist- Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

    Nov 2007 - Jun 2009
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  NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

  Jan 2022 - Jul 2022

  Acting Superintendent- Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

  Served as the Superintendent for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS). Developed and implemented program functions and collaborations with government and non-government entities including the close coordination with the State of Hawaii and the co-manager, as well as stakeholders in support of HIHWNMS programs and policies. Served as supervisor and managed work teams comprised of civil service staff, affiliates and volunteers, exercising appropriate independent judgment regarding the assignment of tasks, the manner of their completion and standards of performance as defined by planned outcomes. Three specific teams include-research, resource protection, and education and outreach, which leads in the development and management of large mammal resource management and response, acoustic sound research and education/volunteers/outreach product/tool development. Show less

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  NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

  Nov 2022 - now

  Oversees and directs the communications, education, outreach and engagement program for the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. Ensures development, implementation, facilitation, conduction, coordination and evaluation of projects and activities designed to meet the education, outreach, communications and engagement goals of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. Provides oversight, leadership, and management that is critical to fulfilling education, outreach and communication mandates defined in the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Establishes and maintains mutual communications between the ONMS and stakeholders, universities, other government agencies and the general public. Manages and coordinates the team leads that organize the system's cadre of communications/education/outreach/web/media/social media coordinators and specialists; through this coordination works to develop and implement international, national, regional, and local education, outreach, and communications programs. Show less

  • Chief- Communications and Engagement Division- Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

    May 2013 - now

  • Leadership Competencies Development Program

    Jan 2022 - Aug 2023

  • Congressional Affairs Specialist- National Marine Fisheries Service

    Nov 2022 - Apr 2023