Maya Plass Email & Phone Number

As Head of Engagement, I am responsible for leading the Engagement Department and coordinating all MBA messaging to convey marine biology matters and scientific discoveries creatively and credibly to improve external reach and impact. Developing the business plans and managing the day-to-day activities of the communications and membership teams to attract, engage and retain a wide ranging external and internal audience with member acquisition and retention maximised. Previously, as Head of Communications at the Marine Biological Association, I was responsible for overseeing the development of a new website, a rebrand and increasing the visibility of the MBA. As well as successfully setting up my own marine education business (Learn to Sea) which I ran for 11 years, I appeared on BBC Autumnwatch as guest presenter and BBC Coast and ITV's Hungry Sailors. A published author - The RSPB Handbook of the Seashore (published in 2013) and Seashore Watchers (QED 2019). My professional experience has extended to work abroad, researching sustainable tourism in Peninsula Valdes, Argentina as part of my MSc. In 2010, I was selected to take part in an international marine educational leaders project to Midway Atoll, North West Hawaiian Islands. These international opportunities proved to add a further dimension to my professional experience and knowledge and perspectives of wildlife conservation and international collaboration. I am involved in a number of different charities acting as patron for Sea-Changers and previously of MARINElife.I am passionate about the outdoors both on land hiking and underwater. I am a qualified HSE Commercial Scuba Diver, HSE First Aid at work, BSAC Sports Diver (equivalent of PADI Rescue Diver), BSAC Boat Handler, BSAC Oxygen Administration, VHF Radio License holder.

Listed skills include Marine Biology, Natural History, Conservation Issues, Fisheries, and 15 others.