Turning the tide on coral reef decline
The Great Barrier Reef is fighting for life and we are fighting for her future. This summer a marine heatwave is causing mass coral bleaching. Rising ocean temperatures are threatening the very survival of coral reefs.
Help build resilience into our most precious marine ecosystems.
Who we are
Great Barrier Reef Foundation USA is a US-based non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of coral reefs. We support organizations like the Great Barrier Reef Foundation in Australia, which has a track record in bringing the world’s brightest minds and advanced technologies together to solve the challenges facing coral reefs.
#Featured projects
The Great Barrier Reef Foundation is delivering the world’s largest coral reefs program including 400+ projects with over 500 partners globally. Here are just a few of them.
Reef Restoration and Adaptation
Deliver and supporting reef restoration and adaptation science for the Great Barrier Reef.
Resilient Reefs
Partnering with Reef communities to respond to climate change and local threats.
First Nations
If there was ever a time for us to come together that time is now.
Coral IVF
Pioneering science delivers new life to the Reef.
#Our Board
The Great Barrier Reef Foundation USA Board brings decades of experience across climate strategy, finance, technology, marketing, media, community impact, global events and ocean advocacy. They play a pivotal role in connecting US partners, donors and institutions with the world-class science and conservation happening in Australia, ensuring support flows to the projects creating the greatest impact for coral reefs and the communities who depend on them.
Individually, they bring extraordinary expertise. Together, they help steer a global movement for coral reef restoration.
Cindy Hook - Chair
Cindy is an accomplished global executive driven by purpose and long-term impact. As Chief Executive of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee, she is leading one of the most significant events in Australia’s future with a strong focus on sustainability, inclusion and legacy. Before this, Cindy spent more than two decades with Deloitte, serving as CEO of Deloitte Australia, Chief Executive for Deloitte Asia Pacific and as a member of the Deloitte Global Executive Committee. Her leadership has shaped major organizational transformations across the region, strengthening trust, culture and performance. As Chair of Great Barrier Reef Foundation USA, Cindy brings deep governance experience, global networks and a commitment to mobilization at scale, helping connect US partners and philanthropists with world-leading science and conservation efforts.
William S. McKeever - Treasurer
William is a marine conservationist, filmmaker and advocate dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans through storytelling and education. His documentary work includes Emperors of the Deep, Plastic and the Oceans and The Biggest Little Fish You’ve Never Seen, spotlighting the species and ecosystems most critical to ocean health. Alongside his creative work, William has built a career in finance, holding an MBA from The Wharton School and serving in senior financial leadership roles across the private sector. He is currently Chief Financial Officer for Monterey Bio. As Treasurer of Great Barrier Reef Foundation USA, William brings a rare blend of environmental passion and financial stewardship, ensuring donor investment is directed to high-impact, science-backed reef conservation.
Damian Eales
Damian is a seasoned executive with extensive leadership experience across retail, banking, media, marketing, and global transformation. He is currently Chief Executive Officer of Realtor.com, one of the largest and most influential digital real estate platforms in the United States. Before this, he held senior roles including Chief Marketing Officer for David Jones, Westpac and News Corp Australia, before serving as Chief Operating Officer of News Corp Australia and later transitioning to a global transformation role based in New York. Damian's background combines commercial strategy, brand leadership and operational management with deep industry influence, including serving as President of the International News Media Association and as a board member of the Sony Foundation. He brings this broad commercial acumen and storytelling expertise to Great Barrier Reef Foundation USA, helping elevate reef conservation to new audiences and markets.
Jonathan Breene
Jonathan is an internationally recognized hotel developer and entrepreneur known for creating some of the world’s most iconic luxury destinations. As Founder of Setai Hotels and Resorts, he has shaped a portfolio of boutique hotels and residences across the globe, combining architectural excellence with a deep appreciation for place and experience. His career includes leadership roles at Millennium Partners and the development of landmark properties such as The Vendome in Dallas, Amanyara in Turks and Caicos, Norman’s Cay in the Bahamas and 400 Fifth Avenue in New York. Jonathan holds master’s degrees from Columbia University and Queensland University of Technology and has served on the Board of Trustees of International House in New York. He brings global investment insight, place-making expertise and a strong connection to Australia to Great Barrier Reef Foundation USA.
John O’Brien
John is a global authority on decarbonization, climate strategy and nature finance, with a 30-year career spanning clean energy, technology, carbon markets and climate policy. He advises corporations, investors and governments on how to transition to net zero while creating long-term economic value, translating ambition into practical pathways for climate and nature. John is Deloitte’s Global Lead for climate and nature in the Mining and Metals sector, US Lead for Nature Finance and co-founder of the Australian Climate Leaders Coalition. He also leads Deloitte’s global work with the World Economic Forum on climate governance for boards. His books Visions 2100 and Stories from 2030 explore hopeful, solutions-driven futures and were launched at COP21 and COP26. As a Board member of Great Barrier Reef Foundation USA, John brings deep expertise in climate transition, nature-positive investment and the policy innovation needed to protect ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef.
#Our Staff
Ben Phillips - Executive Director
Ben is a global leader in fundraising and nonprofit growth, with more than 25 years’ experience helping organizations build sustainable financial models and strong supporter communities. His expertise spans the philanthropic sector from global health to conservation, guiding charities through periods of growth, transformation and public engagement. A contributing author to International Fundraising for Non-Profits, Ben has helped define international best practice in fundraising strategy and donor engagement. As Executive Director of Great Barrier Reef Foundation USA, Ben oversees the governance, finance and compliance for the Foundation to ensure funds are directed to high-impact projects safeguarding the world’s coral reefs.
#News
Climate Change Crisis
The latest IPCC report paints a bleak picture of the Great Barrier Reef’s future, but we’re working tirelessly to fast-track innovative solutions to help corals adapt in a changing climate.
What is coral adaptation?
How we help corals adapt to their changing environment and why harnessing this power is critical to protecting the Reef.
The road to reef recovery
Coral cover's up, but critical risks remain in Reef recovery
Managing a coral-eating predator
Breakthrough early detection and response capabilities bolster fight against coral-eating starfish.
