REEF is proud to announce Nancy Perez as our 2017 Volunteer of the Year. REEF has over 67,000 members and Nancy is proud of her longtime support as member number 589! Nancy originally joined REEF because of her interest in diving, marine fishes and underwater photography.

When she moved to Key Largo in 1996, Nancy was closer to REEF’s Headquarters and looked for ways to be active in the community, learning more about REEF while volunteering for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Despite joining in 1993, Nancy did not complete her first fish survey until 2005 while on a REEF Field Survey Trip in Key Largo, led by Paul Humann. Nancy has since conducted more than 50 TWA fish surveys.

In 2008, Nancy began to dedicate more time to REEF by volunteering as a part of REEF’s outreach events committee, assisting with the fundraiser dinner event, For the Love of the Sea. From there, Nancy was a part of the committee that planned REEF’s first Fish & Friends event in March of 2009. Since then Nancy has taken a lead role in organizing the monthly Fish & Friends seminar series by organizing speakers to present at the event, encouraging other volunteers to bring food and drinks to the social gathering before the seminar, and advertising the event throughout the Upper Keys community by distributing flyers to more than 30 local businesses each month.

Today, Nancy is formally REEF’s Volunteer Coordinator, an entirely volunteer position. She has organized nearly 100 Fish & Friends events, and planned or assisted in the organization of many other events, including REEF’s annual holiday party, the dedication of REEF’s Headquarters building in 2009, and every REEF Fest event since the event began in 2013. Nancy also assists with REEF’s Invasive Lionfish Program by coordinating volunteers to make and serve lionfish ceviche during Invasive Lionfish Derbies.

Nancy is an invaluable member of REEF who brings style and flair to our events hosted in South Florida. Nancy shares her passion with all who she encounters, making her a wonderful ambassador for REEF and our mission. We are so grateful for the time, enthusiasm, and dedication that Nancy offers REEF. Nancy – Thank You and Congratulations!