Kassandra “Kc” Cerveny is the Director for Public Affairs at Consortium for Ocean Leadership, providing expertise in governmental and congressional affairs and advocacy, and coordinating with executive leadership to develop successful positions and strategies on behalf of the organization’s membership concerning priority ocean science and technology issues including appropriations and budget, science and research policies, and federal ocean programs. Kc is a native of Florida and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and a Graduate Certificate in Environmental Policy and Management from the University of Florida. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Marine Science from the University of Puerto Rico with a concentration in biological oceanography-fisheries ecology. She has worked with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and several federal agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Park Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She has also served as a Knauss Fellow in the office of U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, as Legislative Director with Marine Conservation Biology Institute, and as Director of Government Affairs for Coastal States Organization.