Oceana Welcomes New Members to Board of Directors: Salla Alfieri and Matthew Sawyer

Oceana announced Salla Alfieri and Matthew Sawyer have joined the organization’s Board of Directors. As the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation, Oceana is winning campaigns around the world that stop overfishing, protect ocean habitat and threatened species, increase transparency, curb oil and plastic pollution, and restore ocean abundance and biodiversity.

“We are thrilled to welcome Salla and Matt to Oceana’s Board of Directors. As longtime supporters, they care deeply about the threats facing our oceans and have seen firsthand how Oceana’s campaigns deliver results. They will bring invaluable experience and dedication that will help us win more victories for our oceans and the people who depend on them around the world,” said Diana Thomson, Chair of Oceana’s Board of Directors.

Salla Alfieri’s experience spans international business, finance, the arts, and philanthropy. Originally from Finland and now based in Connecticut, Alfieri founded Reserve International and developed one of the first continuous supply chains for Finnish malt extract into the U.S. market.

Alfieri has also been recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a two-time quarterfinalist in the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting.

Her philanthropic work supports environmental conservation, ocean health, sustainability, food security, and education. Alfieri is a longtime supporter of Oceana’s New York Gala.

“Protecting the ocean is no longer just an environmental issue—it’s a public health issue. The oceans are our planet’s life-support system, connecting communities and sustaining life around the world. What threatens them impacts human health and all life. I’m proud to join Oceana’s Board at this critical moment and support the organization’s mission so we can keep delivering victories for our oceans. Together, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to safeguard this vital resource for future generations,” said Alfieri.

Matthew Sawyer serves as Chairman and CEO of Art Weiss Industrial Properties, Inc., based in San Diego, where he leads the company’s strategic direction, including expansion, acquisitions, and portfolio management across the commercial real estate sector.

In addition to his professional work, Sawyer is deeply committed to philanthropy. Through the Asher Foundation, he and his family support organizations that champion marine conservation, youth education, and community development. Sawyer has been drawn to the sea since he was a young child and is now an avid mariner. He has supported both Oceana’s SeaChange Summer Party and New York Gala.

“I’ve spent my life on the ocean — it has given me and my family endless wonder and joy. As I’ve come to better understand the many threats facing our seas, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to give back,” said Sawyer. “I choose to support Oceana because of its proven, science-based track record of winning meaningful protections for our oceans. I’m honored to join Oceana’s Board of Directors and to help restore ocean health so future generations can continue to find both inspiration and livelihoods from our seas.”

Other Oceana Board Members include Keith Addis, Herbert M. Bedolfe III, Ted Danson, Nicholas Davis, Patrice Etlin, Maya Gabeira, César Gaviria, María Eugenia Girón, Loic Gouzer, Dr. Christina Chemtai Hicks, Jena King, Sara Lowell, Dr. Daniel Pauly, David Rockefeller, Jr., James Sandler, Lex Sant, Simon Sidamon-Eristoff, Dr. Rashid Sumaila, Diana Thomson, Elizabeth Wahler, Sam Waterston, Jean Weiss, and Antha Williams. More information on Oceana’s Board of Directors is available here.

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Oceana is the largest international organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 350 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit  Oceana.org  to learn more.