The People Behind the Project
Meet the
Forever Reef
Team
Dr Dean Miller is the CEO and Co-Founder of GBR Legacy and the Founder and driving force behind the Forever Reef Project. With a PhD in coral reef management and experience from over 300 ocean expeditions, he leads the mission to conserve all 415 species of coral from the Great Barrier Reef, safeguarding this extraordinary ecosystem for future generations.
CEO / Co-Founder GBR LegacyDr Dean Miller
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Dr Dean Miller is a scientist, multimedia professional and the Founder and driving force behind the Forever Reef Project.
With a PhD in coral reef management, he has devoted his life to understanding, documenting and protecting coral reefs, drawing on experience from more than 300 ocean expeditions and producing over 50 documentaries filmed around the world.
As CEO and Co-Founder of GBR Legacy, Dean leads a bold mission to collect and conserve all 415 species of coral from the Great Barrier Reef, safeguarding this living treasure for future generations.A highly respected voice in reef conservation, Dean is also a Fellow of Australia’s Climate Council and regularly speaks to the media about the urgent threats facing the reef — inspiring action, awareness and hope for its survival.
Jenna Rumney is a marine biologist, educator and Co-Founder of GBR Legacy. Having worn many hats within the organisation since its inception, she now serves as Communications and Outreach Manager, leading storytelling, education and public engagement initiatives. With a strong background in ecotourism and reef conservation, Jenna connects audiences to the Great Barrier Reef through digital media, presentations and community outreach, inspiring meaningful action to protect its biodiversity.
Co-Founder | Communications and OutreachJenna Rumney
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Jenna Rumney is a marine biologist, educator and ecotourism operator with a lifelong connection to the Great Barrier Reef.
As Co-Founder of GBR Legacy, she has worn many hats within the organisation and currently leads as Communications and Outreach Manager, shaping its voice, storytelling and public engagement.
Jenna connects global audiences to reef conservation through social media, educational content and community outreach, helping people understand the urgency and hope behind GBR Legacy’s mission.
She has owned and operated several small ecotourism businesses in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, combining scientific knowledge with hands-on experience in sustainable tourism.
She has coordinated remote research expeditions and contributed to major natural history productions, including the BBC’s Great Barrier Reef series and Disney’s Oceans.
Jenna remains deeply committed to inspiring stewardship and safeguarding reef biodiversity for future generations.
Shania Bolen is the Forever Reef Facility Manager in Port Douglas. She leads day-to-day facility operations, supports coral care alongside the Chief Aquarist, and delivers inspiring educational tours that connect visitors with the Great Barrier Reef. With a background in senior aquarist and marine education roles, Shania brings technical expertise, vibrant energy and a deep passion for conservation to the heart of Forever Reef.
Facility Manager, Port DouglasShania Bolen
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Shania Bolen is the Forever Reef Facility Manager in Port Douglas. Passionate, energetic and deeply committed to reef conservation, she plays a central role in bringing the Forever Reef Project to life for both visitors and the corals in her care.
As the front face of the Forever Reef facility, Shania leads educational tours for visitors, school groups and corporate partners, creating inspiring experiences that connect people directly with the Great Barrier Reef and motivate stewardship for its future.
Working closely with the Chief Aquarist, Shania is responsible for the day-to-day health and management of the Forever Reef coral collection, supporting coral husbandry, facility systems and operational oversight to ensure the collection thrives.
Shania brings extensive technical expertise in aquarium operations, curatorial care and public education.
Her experience includes aquarist roles with the Ningaloo Aquarium and Discovery Centre and Cairns Aquarium, where she worked as a marine biologist and helped design and deliver inspiring education programs and daily tours.
From managing volunteers and overseeing facility operations to creating memorable visitor experiences, Shania lights up the Forever Reef facility with her dedication, professionalism and ability to connect people with the wonder — and urgency — of protecting coral reefs.
Josh Gibson leads Strategy and Partnerships for GBR Legacy, helping build the foundations for the long-term success of the Forever Reef Project. With more than 30 years of experience in conservation leadership — including senior roles with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority — Josh brings deep expertise in governance, strategic partnerships and collaboration, providing guidance and mentorship as the organisation grows and scales its impact.
Strategy and PartnershipsJosh Gibson
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Josh Gibson leads Strategy and Partnerships for GBR Legacy, working closely with the CEO to help build the foundations for the long-term success and scalability of the Forever Reef Project.
With more than three decades of experience across conservation, government and community-led environmental initiatives, Josh brings deep expertise in strategic planning, governance, partnership development and program delivery focused on achieving meaningful outcomes for nature and communities.
A key focus of Josh’s work is strengthening collaborations with Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations, including supporting delivery of the Forever Reef First Nations Pilot Hub Project. This initiative is helping establish a sustainable model for community-led living coral biobanks, central to Forever Reef’s vision of preserving coral biodiversity for future generations.
Josh also supports the development of governance structures, systems and organisational capability, providing guidance and experience as GBR Legacy grows and scales its impact.
Prior to joining GBR Legacy, Josh held senior leadership roles with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and other major conservation agencies, contributing to major reef resilience initiatives including the Great Barrier Reef Blueprint for Resilience and Reef 2050 Plan commitments.
Izaac Lilley is the Chief Aquarist and Project Manager for GBR Legacy’s Forever Reef Project, responsible for the care and health of the organisation’s living coral collection. With more than 13 years of experience in public aquariums across Australia and internationally, he provides expert oversight of coral husbandry, life-support systems and facility design, helping safeguard coral biodiversity for future generations.
Chief Aquarist and Project Manager Izaac Lilley
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Izaac Lilley is the Chief Aquarist and Project Manager for GBR Legacy’s flagship Forever Reef Project, where he oversees the care, health and long-term resilience of the organisation’s living coral collection.
With more than 13 years of experience working in public aquariums across Australia and internationally, Izaac brings extensive expertise in coral husbandry, life-support systems and reef ecosystem management.
Throughout his career he has cared for a diverse range of marine life—from delicate jellyfish and leafy sea dragons to sharks and marine mammals—developing deep knowledge of aquatic animal care and complex aquarium environments.
At the heart of the Forever Reef mission, Izaac leads the coral husbandry and life-support systems that safeguard the growing genetic biodiversity of the collection. His work supports the project’s goal to collect and preserve all 415 species of coral from the Great Barrier Reef within a future network of living coral biobanks.
Through his technical expertise, leadership and hands-on stewardship, Izaac helps ensure the Forever Reef collection remains a living legacy for future generations.