Katie Propp

Katie Propp is the Director of Conservation Strategy at Ocean First Institute, where she guides organization strategy, streamlines operations, and builds systems that position programs for long-term success. She thrives at the intersection of strategy and storytelling, helping Ocean First Institute grow while inspiring the next generation of conservation champions. Her work focuses on translating complex research into compelling stories and programs that inspire action and empower communities to protect marine ecosystems.

Katie brings over a decade of experience as an operations strategist, conservation director, and global partnerships manager. Before joining Ocean First Institute, Katie served as the Chief Operations Officer at Penguins International, where she led global campaigns such as March of the Penguin Madness, growing an audience of over more than 732,000 conservation advocates. At the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, she built community partnerships across the Midwest and managed a $350,000 program portfolio reaching 65,000 learners annually. She has also served with Polar Bears International, explore.org, Climate Generation (Will Steger Foundation), and Net Impact contributing to Arctic storytelling and wildlife media projects featured by BBC, CNN, Outside Magazine, and National Geographic. Her career includes leadership roles at zoos, aquariums, and nonprofits where she has contributed to scientific research, created projects that merge real world data with digital engagement, and developed citizen science projects on climate change. Her career reflects a passion for using storytelling, strategy, and community engagement to advance conservation outcomes around the world.