Hello! My name's Kayla Huff and I started as the Southeast Regional Manager in July 2024 to support and grow the chapter network in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
Growing up in northeast Pennsylvania, you wouldn't think that the ocean would have had such a large impact on me, but it certainly did. Since before I was born, my family had been visiting the Outer Banks in North Carolina every year. I spent my summers in the Outer Banks, splashing in the ocean, being mesmerized by jellyfish and horseshoe crabs, and finding the bliss and calm that comes with being at the beach. While I wasn't at the beach growing up, I was always outside playing in the trees, creeks, and lakes. Being connected to the outdoors was formative in my childhood and has continued to benefit me throughout my entire life.
I went on to graduate from West Chester University with a degree in Biology, with hopes of getting involved in the environmental sector, but not entirely sure how. That's when I committed to an 11-month service term with AmeriCorps that really changed my trajectory on how I wanted my career to interact with the environment.
My AmeriCorps term was with a small non-profit on the Central Coast of California called the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo (ECOSLO). My 11-month term turned into two years, and it was there that I learned about the possibilities and my passion of connecting people to the outdoors in meaningful ways, whether through education, advocacy, or just play and recreation! I built out their volunteer program, developed events, engaged the community on anti-fracking ordinances, and really found my joy in volunteer management and community engagement in the environmental sector.
After leaving AmeriCorps, I hopped back to the East Coast and landed in Charleston, South Carolina, where I've called home since 2019. The marsh grass, plethora of beaches, and coastal fauna captured my attention immediately. I was on the team for the Charleston Parks Conservancy for almost 5 years continuing my passion for connecting people to the outdoors - this time to their local green space and parks - and continued to learn and get involved in the Lowcountry.
When I saw the opportunity for the Southeast Regional Manager with Surfrider Foundation become available, I knew that it was the best possible next step in my journey. Returning to ocean conservation and activism, and continuing to grow a strong and robust volunteer network that works on the ground to fulfill Surfrider Foundation's mission is extremely aligned with my values.
As the Southeast Regional Manager, I am so excited to connect with and engage the communities in the Southeast towards ensuring that everyone has access to clean, inviting and safe beaches and coasts like I experienced growing up.
I'll see you in the sand!
- Kayla ☀️