Caitlin O’Morchoe, Quiet Sound Program Manager

Nov 26, 2021 | Staff CO

Maritime BlueCaitlin O’MorchoeQuiet Sound Program Manager

Caitlin O’Morchoe grew up in Poulsbo, WA, and spent her summers on the waters of the Salish Sea. She decided to turn her love for the ocean into her career and received a bachelor’s in marine biology from Occidental College in Los Angeles.

Wanting a nice break after graduation, Caitlin worked as a deckhand/educator aboard the schooner Adventuress and then continued to sail for the next two years. Caitlin then transitioned to land-life and worked for science and education-based nonprofit organizations. After a wonderful three years at Seattle Aquarium managing various education programs, Caitlin decided it was time for the next step in her career.

She graduated in June 2022 with her Master’s in Public Administration from the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington. Caitlin is thrilled to join WA Maritime Blue and the Quiet Sound Program full time as a Project Manager. She is excited to utilize her skills as a marine biologist, mariner, and public administrator to help our Southern Resident Killer Whales thrive.

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Angel Menchaca

Nov 26, 2021 | Staff AM

Maritime BlueAngel Menchaca

Angel Menchaca is an administrative professional who works to plan, direct and coordinate the operations of organizations, by working with multiple departments. Angel believes that cross-functional teams increase work efficiency and overall operational performance.

In his previous role with Seattle Public Schools, Angel devised strategies to simplify processes and boost long-term effectiveness. In addition to managing daily operations, Angel also helped strengthen a number of career-connected learning programs that positively impacted students of color and those furthest from educational justice. Angel was able to accomplish this by developing and cultivating lucrative relationships with both internal and external partners through effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Angel enjoys exploring the outdoors and the beautiful landscape that the PNW has to offer. He especially likes paddle boarding in the Sound and hiking all of the trails that the Puget Sound region has to offer.

Angel holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Northern Illinois University and an MBA in Marketing.

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Rachel Aronson, Quiet Sound Program Director

Nov 26, 2021 | Staff RA

Maritime BlueRachel AronsonQuiet Sound Program Director

Rachel Aronson leads the Quiet Sound Program. Rachel’s background is in natural resources multi-stakeholder facilitation. She brings experience in connecting with stakeholders to inform decisions about how to manage natural resources and develop effective, durable policies. Rachel has worked with federal, state, and local agencies and many tribes, and facilitated a broad range of groups, from large, contentious public meetings to small decision-making circles.

Rachel holds an M.M.A. from the University of Washington’s School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, as well as a B.A. in Biology and Hispanic Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. Rachel is certified in mediation by the Dispute Resolution Center of King County, facilitation by the Institute for Cultural Affairs, and citizen engagement by the Institute for Participatory Management & Planning.

She lives in West Seattle with her family and enjoys vegetable gardening, camping, and being on the water in their dinghy, the Salish Seahorse.

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