San Diego Coastkeeper announced April 12 that Tracie Barham, an 18-year veteran of nonprofit leadership, will be its new executive director. 
Barham will lead the water watchdog’s efforts to achieve goals in its 2015 to 2018 strategic plan, which include lowering San Diego County household water use by 25 percent and training 300 new volunteer scientists to monitor the health of the region’s watersheds. Travis Pritchard, who served as interim executive director, returns to his role as program director.
 “Tracie’s career is centered on strategic leadership and organizational development in areas of social and environmental issues,” said Elizabeth Taylor, president of San Diego Coastkeeper’s board of directors. “We know the organization’s positive impact on San Diego County’s water challenges will expand even further under her leadership.”
Barham comes to San Diego Coastkeeper from her position as director of development for the San Diego Botanic Garden. As the chief development officer, Barham significantly increased overall operating and capital income to fund the launch of several expansion projects. As a graduate of the Fieldstone Emerging Leaders program, Barham worked closely with the San Diego Botanic Garden board of directors, CEO, and other senior leadership team members to raise the philanthropic support needed while contributing to the strategy and operations of these projects. 
Previous to the Botanic Garden, Barham served as the chief development officer at United Through Reading, where she also substantially increased the annual operating budget.