Cindy A. Zipf

Member since: 2003

Proposed by: Rumson Garden Club, Zone IV

Setting high standards for grassroots organizing with tangible results, Cindy Zipf uses her passion for science and advocacy to create campaigns and programs to drive public policy and reduce ocean pollution. She is at the helm of Clean Ocean Action (COA), the lean, green, ocean pollution fighting machine that is the only full-time ocean advocacy organization dedicated exclusively to the NY and NJ region. She reviews and evaluates regional, state, and federal policies for impacts to marine water quality and, through science and research, works toward solutions to reduce pollution.

In 1984, when the waters off the NY/NJ coasts were known as the "Ocean Dumping Capitol of the World", the COAlition was formed and consisted of a handful of dedicated organizations, and a staff of one. Today, the region's water quality has vastly improved and is an international premier tourist destination. The coalition has grown and includes approximately 115 organizations, a professional staff of nine full-time employees, a new headquarters in Long Branch, NJ, and an office at Gateway National Park, Sandy Hook, NJ.
Under Zipf's leadership the coalition racked up impressive results including ending ocean dumping of all eight ocean dumpsites by 1997; creating and coordinating the largest grassroots environmental program in NJ, Beach Sweeps, since 1985; rallying campaigns that passed the strongest fertilizer control law in the country and the nation's first law banning offshore oil and gas infrastructure in state waters; blocking three offshore liquefied natural gas industrial projects off NJ and NY leaving the ocean still wild and industry-free. In 2013, COA helped households and communities recover and rebuild from Superstorm Sandy's devastation by instituting COA's Waves of Action program and coordinating nearly 14,000 volunteers in 281 projects in 70 towns in the NY/NJ region.

Zipf also works to identify solutions to new and emerging issues. To document the scope and magnitude of microplastics along the NJ coast, COA assembled a research team of national and international scientists to conduct one of the first statewide assessments, and created a model program for others.

Knowing that "a rising tide lifts all boats," Zipf strives for unity and collaboration to leverage success in all campaigns, which sustain the tenacity and vibrancy of the coalition. She also consults with numerous organizations and initiatives, and is routinely invited to speak or testify on ocean and water quality issues before state or federal legislative committees, conferences, or organizations.

Zipf serves on several boards including the American Littoral Society (Sandy Hook, NJ), 1987-present; Environmental Endowment of New Jersey, 1993-present; and Charter Board Member of Blue Frontier Campaign (Washington, DC), 2002-present.

Cindy Zipf is most proud of receiving two honors from the Garden Club of America: the Frances K. Hutchinson Medal in 2002 and the Member at Large distinction in 2004. She is honored to have received numerous other awards on behalf of Clean Ocean Action from national, regional, and local government and non-governmental organizations, foundations, and news media. Recent awards include:
• Spinnaker Award, Nonprofit of the Year – Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce, 2019
• Crystal Beacon Award – Monmouth County Chamber of Commerce, 2016
•Champions of the Ocean, Volunteer of the Year Award – Urban Coast Institute of Monmouth University for Waves of Action Program, 2013
•Coastal Crusader Award – Surfers' Environmental Alliance, 2012
•Women of Achievement Award – NJ State Federation of Women's Clubs of GFWC, 2012


Member since 2003.