Jessica Craft Ward

Jessica Craft Ward serves as the Virgin Islands Coral Program Director at The Nature Conservancy, focusing on coral reef ecosystem conservation and restoration in the US Virgin Islands since November 2021. In addition, Jessica is the President of EcoFound International LLC, a woman-owned business dedicated to marine and coastal resource protection in Florida and the greater Caribbean, starting in January 2024. Prior experience includes roles such as Marine Resources Section Manager at Broward County Government, where Jessica managed interdisciplinary research teams on coral health and water quality, and various senior scientific positions overseeing marine and coastal engineering projects, habitat assessments, and environmental consulting. Jessica holds dual MS degrees in Marine Biology and Coastal Zone Management from Nova Southeastern University and a BS in Marine Biology from the University of West Florida.