ACF Team
Kristine Alford received her Bachelor's degree in Biology and her Master's degree in Marine Conservation and Resource Management from the University of South Alabama. During her undergraduate studies, she interned at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Manatee Sighting Network, and discovered her passion for advocating for and protecting our unique coastal environment and abundant biodiversity. After obtaining her Bachelor's degree, she worked as an 8th grade science educator at Booker T. Washington Middle School before returning to USA to pursue her Master's degree. She served as an intern for ACF before accepting the position of Coastal Relations Coordinator in 2021. Outside of environmental conservation, Kristine works as a group fitness and yoga instructor, personal trainer, and trivia host.
Mark was asked to serve as the Alabama Coastal Foundation Executive Director in October, 2011. He was drawn to the ACF because of its vital mission of protecting our coast through cooperation, education, and participation. He has experience in each of those areas through his past work as a leader in Alabama’s state constitution reform movement and as the Director of Community Engagement for the Mobile Area Education Foundation. Mark earned his B.A. in English with a double minor in Political Science and Philosophy at Birmingham Southern College. He earned his M.P.A. at the University of Texas at Austin. A 2006 graduate of the Leadership Mobile program and 2007 graduate of Leadership Alabama, Mark has a broad network of local and statewide contacts who care about Alabama’s coastal resources. In his free time, Mark enjoys playing tennis and pool, camping and spending time with his wife and two daughters.
Sara Johnson, who hails from Pennsylvania, grew up on the east coast and dreamed of a career in marine science. She earned a Bachelor’s in Animal Bioscience from the Pennsylvania State University and has worked in science and conservation ever since--first in veterinary medicine before finding an ocean conservation home at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Sara enjoyed over 11 years helping to run the education programs in Discovery Hall at the Sea Lab, coordinating professional development for teachers, camps for students and outreach around the state. In addition, she was a Share the Beach (STB) Team Leader for Dauphin Island for over a decade. Outside of sea turtle work, Sara spends time with her husband and two children swimming, helping with soccer practices, biking, camping, and of course, visiting the beach.
Joe McEnerney is a native of Montgomery, AL, and has spent the last twelve years in Baldwin County. During those years he has developed a love for the county's coastal resources and its rural culture. Joe became a Board member of the Alabama Coastal Foundation in 2005 and served as ACF's President in 2010-2012, and most recently was the Vice-President for 2013. A community banker for most of his professional career, Joe originally volunteered with ACF because of its vital mission of protecting the place he had come to love. Also, as a business person, he embraced the organization's goal of cooperation and education as tools to protect the environment. Joe earned his MS in Environmental Sciences from Auburn University and MBA with an emphasis in finance and operations from Indiana University. Joe and his wife of thirty years (Jane) have two daughters. In his free time, Joe is a passionate fan of college football, an avid gardener and a jogger.
Anna Yancy was born and raised in Alabaster, but spent most of her summers on the Gulf Coast on vacation, attending church camps, or working. After high school, she made her way to the University of South Alabama where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Marine Sciences. During college, Anna was heavily involved with Phi Mu Sorority, Dance Marathon, and also helped fundraise for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. After graduation, she became a crew member for the Student Conservation Association before being hired as ACF’s Administrator. Anna enjoys kayaking, hiking, working out, volunteering, and hanging out with her cat Nugget.