Chad Nelsen is the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Surfrider Foundation.

The largest grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our oceans, waves and beaches has a new commander. Nelsen replaces Jim Moriarty, who managed Surfrider in the last nine years.

"I am extremely honored to lead the Surfrider Foundation. Our mission to protect our coasts is vital, and the strength and dedication of our grassroots activist network is the key to our success," expressed Chad Nelsen.

The new CEO at Surfrider has spent the last 16 working as the Environmental Director of the surfing non-governmental organization (NGO) and also serves as the Board President for Save the Waves.

Chad Nelsen received a Doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Master's of Environmental Management from Duke University's Nicholas School for the Environment, and a Bachelor's of Science from Brown University.

The Surfrider Foundation was founded in 1984, in California. With its 250,000-plus supporters, activists, and members, including 84 Surfrider Chapters around the country, it's the most important and influential surfing NGOs in the world.