Jacqueline Laverdure

Vessel Operations Coordinator

Jacqueline Laverdure joined the sanctuary system in 2006. Since then, she has experience on both the east and west coasts working with Florida Keys and Olympic Coast national marine sanctuaries. In her current role as program support specialist with Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Laverdure acts as the contract officer representative, agreements coordinator, and administrative process support lead. She started her career in sanctuaries as a vessel captain and outreach program specialist for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, where part of her job was to engage local businesses as well as visitors to the sanctuary. From 2008-2023, Laverdure supported education, outreach, and grants management for Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, based in Port Angeles, Washington. Before working with national marine sanctuaries, she had more than eight years of experience as an owner and operator of a small charter boat business in Key West, and appreciates the need and value of building relationships within local communities and businesses. Laverdure is originally from Brookfield, Connecticut, and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor's degree in communication science and marketing. She has worked in marine conservation since 1992 and holds a United States Coast Guard 100 gross tons masters license. Jacqueline is excited to be back in the Florida Keys, along with her husband and two pups.