Path to Ocean Policy: Q&A With Leigh Habegger

Leigh Habegger is the most recent addition to the team at ESP Advisors. She has more than a decade of experience in the ocean and fisheries space, most recently serving as the Executive Director of Seafood Harvesters of America. Having spent time on the Hill and in the private and nonprofit sectors, Leigh has extensive knowledge of fisheries management, coastal restoration, and ocean policy. Curious about her journey? Get to know her below!

Where does your interest in the ocean come from? 

I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean, but the earliest memory I have is walking along the Sarasota beach, searching for sand dollars with my grandfather. The day he suggested we snorkel to increase our search area was one of the best days of my childhood! My grandparents would always make sure we made a trip to the Mote Marine Aquarium when I visited, and it was there that I began to realize people studied the ocean and its creatures for a living—how cool! The experiences I had in Florida as a child certainly planted the seed that would develop into my full-fledged love of the ocean. 

What path took you into ocean policy?

I had a bit of a circuitous path into marine policy. I was pre-med in undergrad, but I jumped at the opportunity to spend one last free summer somewhere tropical before taking the MCATs and setting off on rotations. I spent that summer assessing coral disease rates inside and outside of marine protected areas (MPAs) and supporting scientists investigating other aspects of reef health. The goal was to examine the efficacy of MPAs in Belize. I remember leaving that summer imagining a life of tropical locales and SCUBA diving and thought, “Well, it’s a lot more enticing than signing up for bright lights and cold operating rooms for the next seven-to-10 years of my life.” So, I jumped on the marine biology bandwagon. I spent a year working for a study abroad program in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where I was exposed to the management and policy sides of the marine environment. I then pursued a Master’s in Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island before working as a Sea Grant Knauss Fellow for Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), fully embracing DC life and ocean policy!

What are you looking forward to in your work with ESP Advisors? 

I love the rockstar team here at ESP Advisors and am very much enjoying plugging in with some of the best and brightest. I am looking forward to serving our clients and providing them with the knowledge and support to achieve their policy priorities!

What’s something about the ocean you wish more people knew? 

I worked extensively with commercial fishermen at each of my jobs prior to joining ESP, and I wish more people understood the dedication that people in the seafood industry put into bringing fresh, sustainable seafood to your plates. The U.S. has some of the best-managed fisheries in the world and is consistently held as the gold standard in international spheres. Choosing U.S. seafood drives demand, supports sustainable practices and coastal communities, and creates jobs throughout the seafood supply chain. Eat more U.S. seafood!

Brandon Elsner

Brandon Elsner is a government affairs professional with extensive experience shaping federal policy in oceans, science, environment, and infrastructure. He most recently directed federal strategic services at Waggoner Engineering, helping communities secure significant federal funding for water, transportation, and economic development projects. Brandon previously held senior advisory roles at NOAA and the White House Council on Environmental Quality and was a Legislative Assistant for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS).

FAVORITES

Thai Boba Tea

Orca

Greater DC area

Marianne Brisson

Marianne helps mission-driven organizations scale their impact through streamlined operations, project leadership, and strategic communications. She leads ESP’s day-to-day operations and ensures firm-wide success. Marianne previously served as Policy and Operations Advisor to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

FAVORITES

Hot latte with oatmilk

Nudibranch

Based in Oregon

Monaliza Manalinding

Monaliza has over three years of experience supporting small businesses professionals and managing fast-paced administrative operations. She brings strong skills in client relations, scheduling, and marketing support, ensuring efficient workflows and exceptional service across all facets of the firm.

FAVORITES

Ginger Tea

Sea turtles

Davao City, Philippines

Sarah Keartes

Sarah brings a decade of media relations and science communication expertise to her role at ESP Advisors. Before joining ESP, she reported on marine and coastal science for outlets including National Geographic News, PBS Digital Studios, and Hakai Magazine.

FAVORITES

Iced tea

Scalloped hammerhead

Based in Oregon

Cat Elia

With over a decade of experience bringing clients’ visions to reality, Cat specializes in marketing and brand development. As both a designer and artist, she excels in visual storytelling and graphic strategy.

FAVORITES

Iced coffee with milk

Frog fish

Based on the West Coast

Caroline Roche

Caroline brings sharp policy instincts and a passion for coastal resilience to ESP Advisors. At the White House Council on Environmental Quality, she supported both the freshwater and ocean policy teams. Most recently, she worked on communications and government affairs for Restore America’s Estuaries, deepening her expertise in habitat protection and federal engagement. Caroline holds a dual degree in Political Science and Fine Art from George Washington University.

FAVORITES

Unsweetened Iced Green Tea

Beluga Whale

Based in Washington, DC

Austen Stovall

Austen Stovall’s background is in coral reef ecology, nature-based solutions, and coastal management. She most recently worked for Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) on his oceans and fisheries portfolio. Austen holds a master’s degree in coastal science and policy from UC Santa Cruz.

FAVORITES

Iced oat milk latte with coconut syrup

Corals

Based in DC

Kat Montgomery

Kat draws upon her ocean policy expertise and years of experience managing projects, programs, and teams to catalyze success for ESP Advisors and our clients. Most recently, Kat served as staff for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), former Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

FAVORITES

Cappuccino with sugar

Seahorse

Based in Virginia

Emily Patrolia

Emily Patrolia founded ESP Advisors to address the need for sophisticated government and public affairs services in the community she holds dear. Emily uses her advocacy and congressional experience and deep understanding of environmental science to lead the firm in all its endeavors.

FAVORITES

Cappuccino

Yeti crab

Based in DC

tttttttt

We are a small but mighty team working to build a culture that leans into vulnerability, clarity, integrity, and transparency. Open communication, collaboration, and relationship building are of the utmost importance to our team. While our work is hard-charging and relies on exceptional attention to detail and deadline management, we remain dedicated to the wellbeing of our staff. Our goal is to ensure our team members are fulfilled both personally and professionally.

PAMELA DAY TAPSCOTT

Pamela Day has over 25 years of experience on Capitol Hill. As Chief of Staff for the late Congressman Don Young (R-AK), father of many initiatives and laws that govern ocean resources today, Pamela managed the annual appropriations process and oversaw 16 original bills that were signed into law.

FAVORITES

Coffee

Otter

Maryland