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Heather Kerkering

Heather Kerkering is the Assistant Regional Administrator for the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center (PI CASC), one of the nine regional centers that form the National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Center network. This position was formerly known as "Deputy Director".

Prior to serving as Assistant Regional Administrator, Heather Kerkering was the Science Coordinator for the PI CASC. Kerkering brings over a decade of leadership experience working across government, academic, non-profit, and industry sectors to apply the latest science and technology to pressing environmental and climate issues. Most recently, she served as the founder of her own consulting company, Sea Connections Consulting, where, among other things, she provided project management services and advice on strategic planning for government and non-profit organizations. Kerkering is no stranger to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Prior to working as a consultant, Kerkering served as the Director of the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS) at the UH Mānoa, overseeing operations of the largest region in the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System. She also helped launch the Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (CenCOOS) at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and served as the CeNCOOS Program Manager for several years. She co-edited the first book on Coastal Ocean Observing Systems and has participated in numerous regional, national, and international initiatives to improve the collection, coordination, and application of ocean and atmospheric information to environmental issues.