Hello! My name is Katie Bauman and I joined the Surfrider team in 2024 as Florida Policy Manager. I will be working to advance policy solutions for the protection and enjoyment of our coasts and ocean. With a career in environmental issues and policy work and a love of water and the outdoors, I am thrilled to see it all come together as a member of the Surfrider team.
I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, and spent many hours exploring Northeast Florida beaches, waterways, and parks. With the St. Johns River running through the city and the Atlantic Ocean nearby, the water has a way of getting into your heart. I was a swimmer, scuba diver, lifeguard, and swim instructor – always happy to be in the water and introducing others to it!
In college, my interest in environmental issues and policy took root. I attended Princeton University and studied anthropology. I led backpacking trips across the East Coast and trained other students to be backcountry trip leaders as part of the university’s Outdoor Action program. Putting in some time above sea level for a change! Inspired by hikers I met on those trips, I wrote my senior thesis about the creation of the Appalachian Trail and the experiences of thru-hikers attempting to complete the 2,000+ mile journey in one go. Researching the policies and communities that came together to create – and now sustain – the trail instilled immense respect and a desire to pursue environmental work.
After graduating, I began my career at Oceana in Washington, D.C. I worked in marketing and communications and engaged with scientists, lawyers, policymakers, community members, and staff across the globe. My role gave me a comprehensive view of the many different levers for making an impact in coastal and ocean victories – and the common throughline and significance of on the ground support and advocacy. At the Aspen Institute, I was on a team responsible for the planning and execution of multi-day seminars about contemporary issues. Highlights include developing an environmental seminar held in the Colorado mountains and coordinating topical seminars for Congressional staff in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland.
Reflecting on my work experiences, the people I met, and my future goals, I decided to go to law school to bolster my environmental, legal, and policy knowledge. I returned to Florida to attend Florida State University College of Law and take advantage of the school’s excellent Environmental Law program and engagement opportunities in the state capital. FSU Law built a strong foundation of knowledge and experience in environmental policy and regulation.
After law school, I joined the Turner Environmental Law Clinic at Emory Law School as a staff attorney and fellow to practice public interest environmental law. At the Clinic, I worked on matters related to energy, agriculture, and natural resources. In particular, I helped launch the Environmental Justice Green Book for Georgia, an online resource for Georgia communities taking on environmental challenges, and developed legal tools and resources to support thriving, resilient local food systems.
When I saw the Florida Policy Manager opportunity, I saw the chance to return to my home state – and the coasts and waters that first inspired me – and join the incredible team, volunteers, and supporters that empower and drive Surfrider’s mission. I look forward to our work together as we advocate for the protection and enjoyment of our coasts and ocean for all!