Carlos Ochoa

Carlos serves as NCEL’s Ocean Program Manager, where he oversees the organization’s work on ocean and coastal threats and resilience, as well as marine-based solutions to climate change. He primarily focuses on sustainable offshore energy, preserving marine ecosystems, and enhancing coastal resilience.

As the former National Policy Manager for Azul, an environmental justice organization working with the Latino community on marine conservation, Carlos managed the organization’s federal policy work, built Azul’s relationships with policymakers and advocacy partners in D.C., and served as Azul’s representative in coalitions at the federal level. He looks forward to leveraging his network and expertise in federal policy to advance the marine-based priorities of state legislators across the country.

Familiar with the D.C. policy ecosystem, Carlos draws experience from Senator Jacky Rosen’s office during her time as a member of the House of Representatives, Forbes Tate Partners, and POLITICO. Over time, he grew passionate about policy issues involving equity and the environment, leading him to work for Cardinal Infrastructure – a federal affairs firm dedicated to public transit, infrastructure, and economic development projects.

Carlos earned his B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Communication, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government) from American University in Washington, D.C. Though he was born in Washington State, Carlos is proud of his upbringing in Arizona. When he is not working, Carlos spends his time rock climbing, hiking, skiing, going to the beach, and enjoying the outdoors.