MAR is growing and so is the passion and leadership behind our mission. We are thrilled to welcome two outstanding new board members who bring decades of experience in stewardship, nature education, and sustainability to our team.
Meet Kristina Meek and Heather Wheel.
Key Takeaways
- MAR’s board continues to grow with leaders who are deeply rooted in environmental work
- Kristina Meek brings 20+ years of storytelling, nature writing, and environmental education
- Heather Wheel brings 25+ years of experience in environmental services and sustainability operations
- Both new members share a personal passion for the outdoors and protecting natural resources
- Their expertise will directly support MAR’s mission to connect people with nature
Kristina Meek: Storytelling in Service of Nature
Kristina Meek is a content writer, environmental educator, and Florida Master Naturalist based right here in St. Petersburg. With more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for print and digital media, and a Master’s degree in creative writing, Kristina has spent her career doing what she loves most: inspiring people through great stories about the natural world.
When she’s not crafting compelling content, you’ll find Kristina birding, hiking, or paddleboarding. She freelances and volunteers with a range of local and national nonprofits focused on wildlife and the environment, making her deeply connected to the communities and ecosystems MAR serves.
We are so excited to have Kristina bring her unique storytelling talent to how we engage with our community. Her ability to translate a love of nature into meaningful content will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow our outreach and education efforts. Learn more about how MAR engages with the natural environment on our programs and events page.
Heather Wheel: Decades of Stewardship Leadership
Heather Wheel is an Operations Supervisor with Republic Services in Tampa, Florida, specializing in environmental solutions and sustainability. With over 25 years of experience in environmental services, Heather has built a career around advancing responsible practices that protect our communities and natural resources.
“I am passionate about advancing responsible practices that protect our communities and natural resources. I’m excited to contribute my experience and passion to volunteer efforts that make a meaningful environmental impact.”
Outside of work, Heather enjoys biking, hiking, and spending time with their partner and furbabies. That genuine connection to the outdoors, combined with their professional depth in stewardship, is exactly the kind of perspective our board needs.
Stronger Together: Building MAR’s Future
Adding Kristina and Heather to our board reflects MAR’s commitment to surrounding our mission with people who don’t just talk about protecting the environment- they live it. Together, they bring a powerful combination of creative communication, operational expertise, and on-the-ground passion for nature.
We believe that connecting people with the natural world is how we build a community that truly cares for it. With leaders like Kristina and Heather guiding the way, we are more energized than ever.
Get Involved
Inspired by what Kristina and Heather are bringing to MAR? You can be part of the movement too. Check out our upcoming events and volunteer opportunities to find your place in the work of regenerating Florida’s natural spaces. Together, we can connect more people with nature, and inspire the care and action our environment deserves.
Welcome to the team, Kristina and Heather, we can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together!
