PINE Speakers

Aerial view of a waterfront research facility, host to the recent PINE event, with several buildings nestled among trees, a dock extending into the water, and a blue research vessel moored at the pier.
A woman wearing sunglasses, a blue shirt, and purple gloves smiles while holding a sea turtle upside down on a dock near the water, with rocks, a wooden post, and PINE Speakers in the background.

Chantal Audran

Executive Director, Tybee Marine Science Center

Chantal Audran is the Executive Director of the Tybee Marine Science Center, where she leads educational and conservation initiatives focused on Georgia’s coastal ecosystems. Since joining the Center in 2011, she has served as a marine science educator, curator, and conservation program manager. She developed the Center’s “Sidewalk to the Sea” program and established protocols for its catch-and-release animal collection program. Chantal is also active in sea turtle and marine mammal stranding response efforts in collaboration with Georgia DNR.
A woman with long reddish-brown hair smiles at the camera, wearing a red jacket and patterned blouse, standing outdoors with green grass and water in the background, ready to share her story as part of the PINE Speakers community.

Mona Behl

Associate Director, Georgia Sea Grant

Mona Behl is a senior public service associate and the Associate Director of Georgia Sea Grant at the University of Georgia. She leads strategic initiatives to build coastal resilience through research, education, and public engagement. Mona holds a Ph.D. in physical oceanography from Florida State University and has held leadership roles in national scientific organizations, developing programs that bridge science and policy.
A young man with curly red hair and a beard smiles at the camera. He is wearing a blue button-up shirt and stands confidently, as if ready to give a talk for PINE Speakers, against a plain gray background.

Kyle Craig

Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor, Piedmont Water Company

Kyle Craig is the Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor at Piedmont Water Company, where he oversees operations at a state-certified drinking water lab. He conducts testing for contaminants such as Total Coliform, E. coli, microcystins, and trihalomethanes. His work supports the safety and quality of drinking water systems across middle Georgia.
A woman with long braided hair, wearing a pearl necklace and a white and navy outfit, smiles outdoors in front of a window with partially visible text and the PINE Speakers logo.

Kelli L. Edwards

Environmental Quality Education Manager, Fulton County Government

Kelli L. Edwards is a marine scientist and environmental educator for Fulton County, where she develops programs to increase public awareness of water-related environmental issues. She also works to provide underserved communities with access to marine education, including scuba diving and field-based experiences. Kelli is a member of the National Association of Black Scuba Divers and co-founder of Rogue Renegades, a media group using film to share marine science.
A woman with blonde hair, wearing a blue zip-up jacket and vest, stands outdoors smiling with her PINE Speakers, against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and a clear blue sky.

Colby Peffer

Stewardship Program Coordinator, Georgia-DNR Sapelo Island NERR

Colby Peffer is the Stewardship Program Coordinator at the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, where she works on habitat management, restoration, sustainability, and public access projects. She holds a B.S. in Oceanography from Cal Poly Humboldt and an M.S. in Marine Sciences from the University of Georgia. Colby also serves on the boards of the Georgia Native Plant Society and other nonprofits.
A bald man in a dark suit, light blue shirt, and green patterned tie smiles at the camera, representing PINE Speakers against a blurred outdoor background.

Charles Pennington

Director of Human Resources, Georgia Ports Authority

Charles Pennington is the Director of Human Resources at the Georgia Ports Authority, where he oversees workforce strategy and HR operations for a team of over 1,800. A Savannah native, Charles has over a decade of HR leadership experience and holds certifications from SHRM and HRCI. He earned his MBA from Georgia Southwestern State University and is an avid golfer.
A woman with short, wavy light brown hair and blue eyes smiles at the camera. Sitting outside on a porch with greenery and a house behind her, she enjoys music from PINE Speakers while wearing a light blue floral top.

Sarah Porter

Chapter Director, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

Sarah currently serves as the Chapter Director for Gray’s Reef with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, based in Savannah. With over 15 years of experience in development and building partnerships, Sarah is dedicated to inspiring support for our marine ecosystems. Most recently she was the Director of Innovative Philanthropy at Hope for Haiti, where she not only spearheaded all northeast fundraising campaigns but also launched the organization’s pioneering Virtual Reality (VR) project, allowing users to virtually explore a school in rural Haiti. Sarah’s commitment to service includes over two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Republic of Macedonia, followed by founding the New York City Peace Corps Association. A new SCUBA diver and avid kayaker, she also co-produces short documentaries about nature in urban environments.
A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair smiles outdoors in front of lush green palm leaves, sunlight filtering through the trees, holding a pair of PINE Speakers.

Courtney Reich

Coastal Director, Georgia Conservancy

Courtney Reich is the Coastal Director for the Georgia Conservancy, where she leads coastal policy and engagement initiatives, including the South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative. Prior to joining the Conservancy, Courtney was an environmental consultant focused on stormwater management and land use planning. She holds a BS in Geology from Tufts University and an MS in Marine Science from the University of Galway, Ireland.
A woman with shoulder-length light brown hair and glasses smiles outdoors, wearing a blue top, earrings, and a flower-shaped necklace. Green leaves and sunlight create a blurred, bright background—perfect for PINE Speakers events.

Katy Smith

Public Service Assistant & Water Resources Specialist, Georgia Sea Grant

Katy Smith is a Public Service Assistant with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, where she serves as the Water Resources Specialist. She has over 25 years of experience educating communities about Georgia’s coastal water resources and leads initiatives in conservation, outreach, and community science. Katy holds a BS in Ecology from UGA and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Educational Psychology.