Mar 02, 2026

From the Directors Desk: Thanking Melodie Grubbs and Welcoming New Executive Director Ann Kitajima

Blog

The Estuary Program thanks Melodie Grubbs for years of leadership and welcomes Ann Kitajima as the new Executive Director of the Morro Bay National Estuary Program. This blog will share a message from Melodie and introduce our new Executive Director Ann Kitajima.  

A Message from Melodie 

Dear Estuary Program Friends and Supporters,  

On January 30, I stepped down as Executive Director of the Morro Bay National Estuary Program. Leaving this organization has been a difficult decision, but I am proud of our accomplishments and have full confidence in our skilled team. Morro Bay has been especially meaningful to me and my family, and I’m grateful my children have been able to grow up alongside this remarkable landscape and community. 

We’ve accomplished so much together in recent years, from expanding teacher training and education programs, to strengthening long-term planning efforts, filling key research gaps, and delivering on-the-ground habitat restoration throughout the watershed. These steady, continuous efforts over time are what protect Morro Bay estuary and the lands and waters that surround it. They’re only possible because of strong partnerships and a community that cares deeply about this special place. 

I am thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to serve the Estuary Program’s mission and to work with such a passionate and dedicated community. Thank you for your continued support. 

Melodie with her children on Morro Strand Beach. Melodie joined the program as Executive Director in 2022, at the start of five years of funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). In her tenure at the Estuary Program, she was instrumental in growing the program with IIJA funding, bringing on additional staff, and expanding project opportunities throughout the watershed.

Welcoming Ann as the New Executive Director of the Estuary Program 

Assistant Director of ten years, Ann Kitajima stepped into the role of Executive Director on January 31. Ann brings robust knowledge, skilled leadership, and a deep-rooted commitment to the Estuary Program’s mission. 

Ann, a long-time resident of the Central Coast, enjoys spending time hiking local trails. Irish Hills, Harmony Headlands, and Estero Bluffs are favorites

About Ann

Ann comes from a background in environmental engineering and has been with the Estuary Program for over 20 years. Ann initially joined the Estuary Program as the head of the Monitoring team, where she managed volunteers, collected scientific data, and administered grants to support the program’s monitoring efforts.  

Ann processing bacteria samples as part of an ongoing partnership with Cuesta College

During this time, she developed partnerships with agencies, landowners, municipalities, and nonprofit partners to expand the data available for assessing the health of our bay and creeks. She won numerous grants from federal, state, and local sources to support the Estuary Program’s monitoring work. With her deep-rooted knowledge and exemplary leadership skills, Ann was asked to take on the role of Assistant Director in 2016. As Assistant Director, Ann focused her time on managing the organization’s federal Clean Water Act grant and supporting staff work in restoration, monitoring, and education & outreach efforts. 

Ann’s extensive experience with administrative management, team leadership, and day-to-day operations, position her as exceptionally well qualified to serve as Executive Director. 

Looking Ahead 

With Ann’s leadership, skilled staff, and support from the Board of Directors, the Estuary Program’s work will continue with the same commitment to science, stewardship, and collaboration. The Estuary Program is grateful for Melodie’s time as Executive Director and her assistance in ensuring a smooth transition. Melodie and Ann worked closely together leading up to Melodie’s departure to position the Estuary Program for continued success. 

Ann is honored to take on this new role with an organization that she’s been a part of for so long. She looks forward to continuing work with our dedicated partners and maximizing the Estuary Program’s impact throughout Morro Bay. 

Ann conducting eelgrass restoration in the bay. Eelgrass has made a full recovery since its decline in 2007 and provides important ecosystem services.

“I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to lead the Estuary Program, an organization which is near and dear to my heart,” Ann said. “I feel energized by the opportunity to continue our work with partners throughout the watershed to protect this special place that we all care about.” 

The Estuary Program works closely with a diverse group of partners including the Morro Bay Harbor Department, the Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District, Save Cuesta Inlet, State Parks, the Los Osos Community Services District, and many others. In addition to partner organizations, support and stewardship from the local community are instrumental in keeping Morro Bay clean and healthy for generations to come.  

Ann recognizes and values the collaborative nature at the heart of the Estuary Program’s mission. She looks forward to connecting with the community, especially this Spring through our triennial State of the Bay report and accompanying event series.  

“The report provides a great opportunity for us to go out into the community and share findings to help people better understand conditions in our bay and creeks.” Ann said. “We hope to see you at events throughout the Spring!”  

Ann and Estuary Program staff at a team building retreat last year at Camp Ocean Pines

Help us protect and restore the Morro Bay estuary!