Austen manages MAP’s marketing, community outreach, and fundraising strategies designed to increase MAP’s base of supporters and call attention to mangrove issues locally and beyond. Prior to his work with MAP, he spent several years in the non-profit sector with the United Nations Development Programme, the Aquaculture Certification Council, and Agros International, among others. He brings to MAP 7 years of experience in communications, resource development, and administration.

After spending several years in East Timor as a Peace Corps volunteer and refugee advocate, Austen is fluent in Tetum and conversant in Indonesian. He is also conversant in Spanish. Austen is currently lives in Kirkland, Wash.