Mobile, Ala. (Friday, October 21, 2011) –The Alabama Coastal Foundation (ACF) welcomed Mark Berte as their Executive Director today.  Berte has over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector and is a passionate supporter of sustaining our environment for future generations.

“What drew me to the ACF is its vital mission to protect our coastal resources through education, cooperation and participation,” Berte said.  He has experience in all three of those areas through his past work as a leader in Alabama’s state constitution reform movement and more recently as the Director of Community Engagement for the Mobile Area Education Foundation. 

A committee of ACF’s Board of Directors led by Board President Joe McEnerney selected Berte after an intensive search process.  “The board and staff are all excited to welcome Mark to Alabama Coastal Foundation,” said McEnerney.  “His past experience coupled with his leadership skills will help our organization continue to grow.”

A 2006 graduate of the Leadership Mobile program and 2007 graduate of Leadership Alabama, Berte brings to the position many local and statewide contacts who care about Alabama’s coastal resources.  Berte, who serves on several local and state boards, has a public policy background and uses a collaborative approach to his work. 

Berte succeeds Bethany Kraft, who has taken the role of Deputy Director of the Gulf Restoration Program for The Ocean Conservancy.   “Bethany is an excellent leader in the environmental community and I look forward to working with her and all of our partners in the field,” Berte commented. 

With a bright and capable staff and a committed Board, the Alabama Coastal Foundation will continue to play a vital role of providing fair and factual information as well as meaningful ways for people to volunteer as they help to preserve Alabama’s precious resources.  Those who are interested in learning more about and getting involved with the Alabama Coastal Foundation should visit their web site www.joinacf.org or give them a call at 251.990.6002.