Amy Heemsoth

Chief Operating Officer & Director of Education

Bio

Amy Heemsoth is an accomplished professional serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Director of Education for the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation. With her dual role, Amy plays a crucial role in overseeing the Foundation’s internal operations as the COO, while also leading the development of innovative education projects and programs as the Director of Education. She focuses on creating engaging learning experiences for K-12 students, teachers, non-formal educators, and communities.

Amy’s educational journey began at Spring Hill College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in marine biology. Building on her passion for marine life, she pursued a master’s degree in marine biology from Nova Southeastern University, with her research focusing on the diet composition of swordfish in the Florida Straits.

With over 20 years of teaching experience, Amy has made an impact in formal and non-formal education. She has held positions at institutions such as MarineLab and Seacamp, renowned for their dedication to outdoor marine education. Amy’s ability to inspire and engage students led her to teach high school math and science and serve as a community college adjunct professor.

Amy’s commitment to community engagement and education extends beyond the classroom. Before joining the Foundation, she served as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Florida International University, where she actively engaged with the Florida Keys community through various outreach activities. Amy also gained valuable experience educating the public about coral reefs during her work on snorkel/dive vessels in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. With her diverse background and expertise, Amy is committed to sharing knowledge and fostering a deep understanding of our oceans, which is instrumental in raising awareness and inspiring action to preserve our marine ecosystems.