Sam Athey

Sam Athey (she/her) is the Program Manager for EarthEcho's Marine Plastics Ambassador Program and a committed advocate for marine conservation. With a PhD from the University of Toronto focused on plastic pollution in the Great Lakes, Sam has spent over a decade working as a scientist, educator, and advocate. She has been involved with Surfrider since 2014, previously serving as Vice Chair of Surfrider Cape Fear from 2023-2025, and is currently the Vice Chair of Surfrider Bogue Banks. Passionate about the natural beauty of the Southeast North Carolina Coast, Sam is dedicated to protecting its resources through grassroots efforts and community engagement, and she looks forward to continuing this work on the Executive Board.