Hannah MacDonald

Hannah is currently leading GMRI’s Offshore Wind Program, steering its strategic direction while orchestrating a shift in her fisheries work towards empowering stakeholders to actively engage in the offshore wind development process. Since joining GMRI in May of 2022, she has been instrumental in overseeing the transformation of the Fisheries Technical Assistance Program (FTAP), taking charge of operational responsibilities and fostering coordination among stakeholders, including fishermen, NOAA, states, and NGOs. Notably, she managed multiple partners to successfully implement the Maximized Retention Electronic Monitoring program.

Before joining GMRI, Hannah worked with NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries in various roles focused on communication, education, and stakeholder engagement. Through that work she has supported innovative projects that engage the public and stakeholders with marine resources in meaningful ways.

Hannah has a Master of Environmental Science and Management from the University of Rhode Island and her research focused on stakeholder engagement regarding marine resources and uses in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Prior to her graduate degree, she received a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University, studying earth science and marine ecosystem management.

When she's not at work, you're most likely to find Hannah in the water. Growing up on the shores of Lake Huron in northern Michigan, she enjoyed activities such as sailing and diving, but living on the ocean has allowed her to pick up new hobbies — like surfing on the Maine coast.