Department of Marine Resources Names Director of the Maine Coastal Program

Posted on by
Share

Dr. Jocelyn Runnebaum Starts Her New Position on August 4, 2025.

Jocelyn Runnebaum, Ph.D. has joined the Maine Department of Marine Resources as Director of the Maine Coastal Program (MCP) it was announced earlier this week.  Dr. Runnebaum replaces Kathleen Leyden, who retired from state service in March. She will begin in her new role on August 4th.

As Director of the Maine Coastal Program, Dr. Runnebaum will coordinate federal/state/local partnerships to develop, manage and implement initiatives that target coastal natural resource conservation and development, (MCP).

MCP priorities include the implementation of Maine Won’t Wait, Maine’s award-winning climate plan and the state’s new Resilient Maine program, focusing on working waterfront conservation, habitat restoration, climate resilience and coastal literacy.

Dr. Runnebaum has a BS degree in Biology from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas and a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from the University of Maine in Orono.

Previously she worked with The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Oceans and Coastal program since 2019.  Most recently she worked at TNC’s Marine Program Manager.  Before joining TNC, Dr. Runnebaum worked for the Alaska Deparment of Fish and Game as a Fsheries Biologist, fished commercially for salmon in Alaska, trained sled dogs for an Iditarod musher and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia working with fish farmers.

“I’m excited to lead this program that works so closely with engaged partners to address the complex and evolving challenges that face Maine’s coastal communities, economies, and environment,” said Dr. Runnebaum in the press release issued earlier this week.

The Maine Coastal Program is scheduled to move from DMR to the Maine Office of Community Affairs (MOCA) in the fall.  However, DMR will administer the program until then and will cotinue to partner with the program after the move.  MOCA was established by the legislature in 2024 to engage with municipalities, tribal governments and regional councils to provide coordinated and efficient planning, technical assistance and financial support to better plan for challenges, pursue solutions and create stronger, more resilient communities.