Marissa Ernst
Marketing & Communications
communications@plasticoceanproject.orgAreas of Expertise
- Coastal Planning
- Public Policy
- Land Use
Marissa Ernst is a dedicated and knowledgeable planning professional with a Master of Public Administration from UNC Wilmington, specializing in Coastal Planning, Public Policy, and Land Use. With experience as a Planner II for the Town of Leland and MPA Fellowships in both planning and human resources, Marissa brings a well-rounded perspective to local government operations. She excels in site planning, ordinance interpretation, GIS analysis, and community engagement, and has a proven ability to communicate complex environmental and policy issues clearly to stakeholders.
Marissa has been actively involved with the Plastic Ocean Project since 2015, reflecting her deep-rooted passion for ocean conservation and plastic pollution awareness. In 2024, she took a step back from her professional planning career to fully dedicate her time and skills to supporting and growing this nonprofit organization she cares so deeply about.
Marissa is also a long-time volunteer with the Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to sustainable coastal development, environmental education, and community-driven conservation initiatives.
Education
- UNC-Wilmington, B.A. Non-Profit Management
- UNC-Wilmington, M.P.A.