Katy serves as a co-lead for development and implementation of a nationwide Coastal Inundation Community of Practice (CoP) supported by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding.

As a Sea Grant Extension Agent with nine years of experience in the Great Lakes and the Pacific Islands, Katy brings on-the-ground experiences, geographic perspective, and support needed for this substantial nationwide effort.

Katy specializes in helping coastal communities prepare for and adapt to climate change impacts. She is also the Project and Partnership Coordinator for the Hawaiʻi Sea grant Ulana ʻIke Center of Excellence, a co-lead for the Sea Grant Traditional and Local Knowledge Community of Practice, and a founding steering committee member of the Indigenous Aquaculture Collaborative. 

Katy holds an M.S. from the University of Michigan with a focus in Environmental Policy and Planning and Environmental Justice. Prior to joining Sea Grant, Katy held a variety of positions ranging from community organizing in Chicago to supporting sustainable ranching practices in the Ecuadorian Amazon. 

In her free time Katy loves hiking with her dog, reading, gardening, and spending time in the ocean. 

Email: katy.hintzen@noaa.gov