Vikki N. Spruill

Since December 2006, Vikki N. Spruill has been serving as president and CEO of Ocean Conservancy, becoming just the fifth person, and the only woman, ever to hold that title. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Ocean Conservancy — the nation’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to restoring the health and resiliency of the ocean. Prior to her appointment at Ocean Conservancy, she was president and founder of SeaWeb, a non-profit organization that uses strategic communications techniques to advance ocean conservation. Spruill led a team there that in 11 years designed and executed countless important and innovative programs to promote ocean conservation and improve ocean governance. Prior to SeaWeb, Spruill spent 15 years in public relations, including five years as a senior vice president at Ruder Finn, one of the largest independently held public relations firms in the world, where she was responsible for client management and new business development.

Spruill is a member of the board of directors for Sky Truth, and of the boards of directors for Tides Network and Tides Center, and she sits on the Aldo Leopold Leadership Program Advisory Committee. She is currently a director of COMPASS, the Communications Partnership for Science and the Sea. Spruill serves on the Advisory Committee for the Ocean Hall of the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum and the Conservation Committee of the SeaChange Investment Fund. She is also a member of the Pew Fellows Advisory Committee and is a member of the Ad Council Advisory Committee. Spruill founded FoundationWorks, a nonprofit organization working with foundations to enhance effectiveness for foundations and grantees. Spruill graduated cum laude from Loyola University in New Orleans with a Bachelor's degree in communications and a minor in religious studies. She received her Master's degree from the University of West Florida; also in communications.