December 1, 2025. OneReef is pleased to announce we have expanded our executive team to accelerate the impact of our work across the Pacific Islands. Effective immediately, Dr. Lida Teneva steps into the role of Chief Executive Officer, as our founder, Christopher LaFranchi, transitions to a dual role as Founder and President.
Dr. Teneva brings more than twenty years of global experience in marine conservation science, nature-based solutions, and programmatic leadership including positions with the World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, the California Ocean Science Trust, as well as ocean-climate philanthropy. Her experience in marine protection and Indigenous-led community conservation spans Hawai‘i, Fiji, French Polynesia, Palau, Australia, Indonesia, Chile, and California. She holds a PhD in Marine Ecology from Stanford University, an MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology, an MS in Paleoclimatology from Columbia University and a BA in Earth Science from Franklin and Marshall College.
Dr. Teneva has a long, rich history with OneReef including seven years of service on its Board of Directors and chairing its Science Advisory Board, making her uniquely qualified to lead OneReef. As CEO, Dr. Teneva is responsible for driving OneReef’s strategy and operations as well as deepening and expanding its relationships with partner entities and funders. “I am excited to take the helm of OneReef, an organization whose mission is near and dear to me, both personally and professionally. I look forward to collaboration with Chris, our talented staff, funders, and the communities in which we work to further expand our impact and reach,” said Dr. Teneva.
Christopher LaFranchi transitions to the position of Founder and President. The expansion of the executive team enables him to continue his visionary work with Pacific Island communities and funders and allows his focus to shift to the development and expansion of the Oceania Collective, an innovative initiative he was instrumental in launching in 2025. The Oceania Collective connects leaders from across the Pacific Island nations for the purpose of supporting each other in preserving their marine resources and way of life. “I have known Lida for a long time and am confident she will be successful in her new role. I look forward to partnering with her in developing new relationships for OneReef as well as expanding many of our existing ones. The Oceania Collective is off to a strong start, with seven partner organizations from island nations already committed. I will continue to play a key role in driving its growth and building a lasting alliance for the Pacific region,” said Mr. LaFranchi.
Both Dr. Teneva and Mr. LaFranchi remain on the Board of Directors of OneReef, dedicated to its mission of protecting coral reefs and island ecosystems by building partnership agreements that give communities of ocean stewards the resources and advances they need to deal with today’s overwhelming challenges.