Robert "Birdlegs" Caughlan

Rob Caughlan is an environmental activist, media strategist, and political advocate with a career spanning over 40 years.

His work has focused on saving wildlife, protecting clean water, and promoting public safety while also supporting candidates who prioritize effective, responsible government.

Throughout his life, Caughlan has combined his love for nature with his expertise in media, producing campaigns that have reached millions and impacted legislation, safety, and conservation efforts across the U.S.

One of Caughlan's first major projects was co-founding Friends of the River, a conservation group dedicated to protecting California's rivers.

He also became the first president of the Surfrider Foundation, where he led the organization through six terms and helped it grow from 200 members to 25,000.

Under his leadership, the Surfrider Foundation achieved a historic clean water victory by winning a lawsuit against paper mills in Humboldt County, California, which were responsible for over 40,000 violations of the Clean Water Act.

This case marked the largest victory in clean water protection based on the number of violations in American history.

In the 1970s, Caughlan entered national politics as a field representative for California Assemblyman Leo J. Ryan and later served in the Carter Administration.

As a White House staff member, he worked on environmental projects, including the Solar Energy Task Force and The Global 2000 Report, which focused on the future of global resources.

His political engagement also included campaigns to impeach President Richard Nixon.

Alongside David Oke and JB Moore, he co-founded the Roanoke Company, a media firm specializing in socially responsible campaigns.

Serving as Senior Vice President, Roanoke created a motorcycle safety campaign with the California Highway Patrol that helped reduce motorcycle fatalities by 70 percent.

Throughout his career, Caughlan's passion for the environment led him to direct and produce films on global ecological issues, renewable energy, and the impact of population growth.

His documentary, "Pete McCloskey: Leading from the Front," received critical acclaim and aired on 180 television stations. McCloskey was the co-founder of Earth Day and author of the Endangered Species Act.

Caughlan's dedication to public service has been recognized with awards, including the Outstanding Citizen award from his hometown, San Mateo, California.

In 2006, Caughlan took on the role of Press Secretary and Communications Director in the campaign to unseat Congressman Richard Pombo, who was known for his anti-environmental stance.

This effort led to a landmark victory when Jerry McNerney defeated Pombo in what was called the "upset of the decade."

Caughlan's resume includes his work as a speechwriter and advisor for notable politicians, including Dianne Feinstein and Jay Rockefeller.

Beyond his public achievements, Rob Caughlan has remained connected to the ocean, which has been a lifelong source of inspiration.

A surfer since age 15, his garage proudly displays amateur surfing trophies from five decades.

Reflecting his enduring commitment to the environment, he is currently working to build a new surfing reef in his hometown break in Pacifica, California.

He is the author of the book "A Surfer In The White House: And Other Salty Yarns."