Shaping Shorelines: Strategic Planning for Coastal Resource Resilience

08/15/2025 - This summer, I had the opportunity to intern with the Coastal Resource Planning Section under the guidance of Arthur Charfauros. I contributed to the ongoing development of the Division of Coastal Resource Management’s Strategic Plan. My primary responsibility was processing raw data from strategic planning workshops and organizing the information into accessible Microsoft Word documents.

In addition to this core task, I was assigned supplementary duties that broadened my understanding of the strategic planning process. These additional tasks included reviewing articles on strategic planning, as directed by my mentor and the program coordinator. By engaging with both practical and theoretical aspects of the process, I developed a deeper appreciation for how data, research, and coordination converge to shape long-term strategies for coastal resource management.

Although I was not directly responsible for drafting the strategic plan, my role in organizing and preparing workshop data played a critical part in supporting the writers and decision-makers.I came to understand how essential it is to structure and present information clearly—laying the groundwork for effective planning and communication. Even in a supportive role, I gained firsthand insight into the complexity and rigor required to craft a plan that can effectively guide the organization for the next three to five years.

One particularly noteworthy article I reviewed during my internship was “The Strategic Planning Process and Strategic Plan,” authored by Joseph Iraci. The article outlines three essential steps in strategic planning: (1) developing a comprehensive understanding of the current situation, (2) clearly articulating the vision, mission, and objectives, and (3) ensuring effective communication among all involved teams. Iraci (2021) emphasizes that even a well- crafted plan can fail if not executed properly, highlighting that the success of a strategic plan depends not only on documentation but also on coordinated and committed implementation.

Reflecting on this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of the strategic planning process and the many dimensions that must be considered to ensure that DCRM’s goals are aligned with its mission and vision. My internship helped me understand the importance of thoughtful planning, clear communication, and collaborative effort in protecting and managing our coastal resources for the future.

References:

Iraci, J. A. (2021). The strategic planning process and strategic plan. 104(3), 52-60. https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/trad  e-journals/strategic-planning-process-plan/docview/2585494393/se- 2?accountid=12085

By Intern: Jryden Fejeran