Energy, Ocean Resources, and Federal Consistency Division
Vail Krygsman (she/her)
At Coastal Commission since 2020

• About Vail:

  Growing up visiting beaches in Southern California and caring about beach conservation, Vail did not consider these passions beyond a personal interest until the Covid-19 pandemic catalyzed a career change from the restaurant industry to something that connected to her more emotionally. She explored jobs in regenerative agriculture and searched for ways to contribute to environmental protection, discovering the Commission's efforts in their environmental justice program and coastal access equity.
  
  Vail jumped into her role without prior experience in public service or coastal management, but her background in English and Digital Communications at college and in restaurant management provided her with the skills to be a management services technician. She works on many different tasks including the permit application process, organizing and formatting documents for the public, and coordinating the monthly hearing production. Her team provides her with immense support, as she continues to expand her understanding of environmental practices. She appreciates being at an organization that engages the public, works with California Native American communities, focuses on environmental justice, and employs women in positions of influence to ensure coastal protection.
  
  Vail.Krygsman@coastal.ca.gov

Coastal Access Program
Linda Locklin (she/her)
At Coastal Commission since 1977

• About Linda:

  Linda manages the statewide program for public access to the coast. She began her career at the agency as a graduate student intern and worked up through the Coastal Program Analyst civil service series. Reflecting on her over 40 years at the Commission, Linda feels fulfilled in her contributions to public service and environmentalism, also appreciating the chance to work near the coast.
  
  In her role, she works with property owners and government agencies to protect and expand coastal accessways and the California Coastal Trail. Law and policy changes have also shaped Linda's job and the coastal access program she oversees. For example, since the adoption of its Environmental Justice Policy, the Commission places a greater emphasis on equitable coastal access and making sure programs for coastal access consider and address the additional barriers that communities of color, low-income families, and inland areas face when accessing the coast.
  
  Linda.Locklin@coastal.ca.gov

Statewide Planning Unit
Lila Nazari (she/her)
At Coastal Commission since 2021

• About Lila:

  As part of the statewide planning unit, Lila supports her team by keeping track of coastal zone county documents, planning the director's contact list, and assisting with monthly hearing agendas. She also works with the business services unit on invoice coding, billing, converting documents, and more. Lila's adaptability to many roles is apparent in her background in interior design and architecture, real estate, business management, travel agent work, public education, and professional photography. She applies her multi-faceted, problem-solving skills to the mission of the Commission to serve the people of California and involve citizens, especially youth, to take interest in the protection of the coasts. Lila feels that she's found a fulfilling role at the agency that allows her to truly help people, as well as a welcoming environment of professionals with passionate attitudes toward their work.
  
  Lila.Nazari@coastal.ca.gov