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Whales in San Francisco Bay

Roughly 30 gray whales have been spotted in the Bay this season, many more than is typical. Sadly, there have also been at least 14 deaths this year, which is more than in all of 2024. 

We are investigating to help determine the cause of these deaths. By gaining insights into what is causing these tragedies, we can better understand how to help prevent them.

Learn more
gray whale fluke
Sheila Lease

Sheila Lease

Major Gifts Officer

I am a dynamic stewardship professional with a passion for good causes, especially as it relates to ocean conservation.

Sheila Lease joined The Marine Mammal Center as a Corporate Sponsor Intern in the summer of 2016. In her current role as Major Gifts Officer she is responsible for managing a portfolio of donors and prospects with the capacity to make contributions of $10,000 or more.

Sheila also supports the Center’s work as a volunteer. She has served as a trained responder rescuing sick and injured marine mammals along the California coast since 2016. And she also volunteers weekly at the Center’s hospital in Sausalito providing care to harbor seal pup patients.

Prior to joining the Center, Sheila worked in marketing and human resources for a publishing company in San Francisco.

When she’s not working on events, Sheila enjoys a good workout and is always up for trying out the latest fitness craze. She has tried everything from Piloxing to Hotlates, but her favorite is heated yoga.


Areas of Expertise

  • Donor Stewardship
  • Project Management
  • Event Planning
  • Fundraising
  • Volunteer Management
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