Heather Sagar

Accomplished leader with over two decades of experience driving strategic partnerships, government relations, and policy development across environmental and marine science domains. Recognized for shaping regional and national policy through collaborative interagency efforts, tribal consultations, and stakeholder engagement. Serve as trusted advisor to executive leadership and collaborate with – and liaise between – multiple government agencies to effect positive change.

Known for building strong coalitions, communicating complex legal and scientific terminology in layman's terms, and delivering sustainable solutions that advance organizational goals and public service missions.

Independent Contractor (Leadership Team) at MARCO (2025-12 – Present)

Worked with various environmental groups to expand their work. Served on Leadership Team for MARCO, a regional partnership established by the governors of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York to advance shared priorities for a healthy ocean ecosystem and sustainable coastal economy. As part of one of four congressionally authorized Regional Ocean Partnerships in the United States, leads efforts to ensure meaningful Tribal representation and engagement in regional ocean planning and policy discussions.

• Builds and maintains relationships with States, Federal Government and Tribal Nations across the Mid-Atlantic to incorporate perspectives, priorities, and traditional ecological knowledge into MARCO initiatives, meetings, and regional strategies.

Senior Policy Advisor – Assistant Administrator's Office of Policy at NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (2010-03 – 2025-03)

Promoted to develop, implement, and communicate policies that supported NOAA Fisheries' strategic goals and objectives and to negotiate agreements to ensure their implementation on regional and national levels. Analyzed policies to identify paths forward and potential barriers, addressing such issues as current policies and laws (what can be changed, what is codified) and stakeholder perceptions.

• Conducted research and prepared briefing papers, reports, and other information to provide expert advice and support to NOAA and NOAA Fisheries.
• Headed effort to share common domestic problems and solutions with foreign countries.
• Managed cross-agency and internal projects, setting schedules, milestones, processes, systems, and controls to achieve results.
• Delegated to Chief of Staff to supervise planning office, academic programs, and administrative support staff for Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) Directorate, leading a staff of 5 professionals.
• Led NOAA's policy development and negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding and Environmental Plan among NOAA Fisheries, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Advised Assistant Administrator, including state legislators, constituents, and multiple NGOs, on EO on Climate Resilience for Fish and Protected Resources and its technical memo.
• Achieved consensus on US government strategy to promote US seafood competitiveness and economic growth in only 30 days by leading an Interagency Task Force comprising representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior, Coast Guard, and Department of Defense.

Acting Chief of Staff to Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs at NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (2008-03 – 2010-03)

Served as principal advisor to NOAA Fisheries leadership team.

• Organized interactions for Deputy Assistant Administrator and major partners, including nationwide Regional Fishery Management Offices, NOAA Fisheries headquarters programs, fishery management councils, and marine fisheries commissions.
• Maintained open and transparent relationships with NOAA and the DOC, ensuring support for NOAA Fisheries, NOAA, and DOC goals and objectives as well as informing NOAA and DOC of significant and/or controversial NOAA Fisheries actions.

Congressional Affairs Specialist – Office of Assistant Administrator at NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (2006-03 – 2008-03)

• Originated new position and clearance process to address questions from Congress, ensuring consistent, knowledgeable responses.
• Answered queries from Congress and provided testimony, technical drafting assistance, comments on views letters, reports to Congress, and questions for the record.
• Alerted NOAA Fisheries of pertinent national legislation.
• Attended hearings and reported outcomes.

Management & Program Analyst at NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (2004-03 – 2006-03)

• Contributed to development of Magnuson-Stevens Act Reauthorization Bill; edited and cleared testimony, fact sheets, and transmittal memos.
• Advised OMB on resource needs of Sustainable Fisheries, International Affairs, and Constituent Services.
• Developed budget materials and authorized budget.

Fisheries Management Specialist – Northeast Region/Sustainable Fisheries at NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (2002-11 – 2004-03)

• Evaluated controversial, politically charged New England Groundfish Amendment 13 regulations and analyzed implementation issues before court-ordered deadline.
• Established priorities and goals for Special Access Programs and Days-At-Sea Leasing.
• Wrote and distributed jargon-free information sheets to highlight new multi-species regulations.
• Promptly addressed industry, public, and scientist questions via telephone, email, and letters.

Master of Science (MS) in Environmental Sciences and Policy – Johns Hopkins University

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biological Sciences – University of Delaware