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Executive Director Lynda Doughty Recognized as CNN Hero
Lynda Doughty (center left) was recognized at the 15th Annual CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute on December 12, 2021. (Photo: Getty Images)
Executive Director, Lynda Doughty was nominated by a long-time volunteer for CNN’s 2021 Hero of the Year. This Peabody and Emmy Award-winning campaign honors individuals around the world who are making extraordinary contributions to help improve the lives of others.
After receiving thousands of nominations, the top 10 were recently revealed by CNN’s Anderson Cooper, who announced Lynda as a finalist! Not only is this a humbling recognition of Lynda’s efforts, but is also a great honor to be among the nine other inspiring finalists.
What makes Lynda a true hero to her team is her unwavering dedication and incredible ability to ensure the public has a reporting hotline to call and speak with knowledgeable, caring people, provide response to hundreds of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles every year, operate a hospital for sick, injured and abandoned seals, educate the public about sharing the coastal environment with marine life, AND conduct critical research to further marine conservation along the Eastern Seaboard-all on a shoestring budget.
After weeks of public voting Shirley Raines of Beauty 2 the Streetz was named CNN Hero of the Year for 2021. The MMoME team is absolutely thrilled for Shirley and the nine other finalists, our very own Lynda Doughty included.
It’s impossible to feel down about Lynda not being named CNN Hero of the Year when you see her on stage with nine other incredible individuals who are all just like her—humble, hardworking, and filling critical gaps in need while not seeking any recognition for their efforts. Being named a 2021 CNN Hero is a wonderful recognition that has brought newfound appreciation for Lynda’s work, given us another platform to educate about marine mammal conservation, and broadened our support network. Remarkable!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who cast votes for Lynda, shared her campaign for CNN Hero of the Year, and has donated to help meet our match—from all of us at MMoME!
