Development and Outreach Manager
Madison began her journey with Operation 2021. Originally from Fairfield, CA, she didn’t grow up near the ocean but found peace on the water through wakeboarding and summers spent on lakes and rivers. After moving to San Luis Obispo to attend Cal Poly, she picked up surfing during her second year and immediately fell in love. It was during a 2021 week-long program in Avila Beach that she first encountered Operation Surf—while slacklining under the pier. Watching the participants learning to surf from the beach is what led her to pursue an internship just a few months later.
In June of 2021, Madison started as a Financial Development Intern and has grown with the organization since then in many ways. In November of 2021 she stepped into the role of Interim Operations Manager and planned two week-long programs and kicked off an OS6 program. In May of 2022 she transitioned to her current role as the Development and Outreach Manager. In this role, she leads all fundraising initiatives and events—including Operation Surf’s annual golf tournament—and plays a key part in ensuring the organization’s mission can thrive year after year. Known as the office’s go-to tech guru, Madison also manages CRM systems, streamlines digital workflows, runs our online giving, and helps keep the organization running behind the scenes.
She has had the honor of helping serve hundreds of veterans and active-duty military members, building lasting friendships along the way and witnessing the deep healing power of the ocean. Her passion for community, connection, and the outdoors continues to drive her work every day.
Outside the office, Madison is an avid traveler, adventure seeker, and outdoor enthusiast. She enjoys surfing, hiking, mountain biking, rec league softball, and recently completed her first Ironman 70.3 in 2024. She lives in San Luis Obispo with her boyfriend Colin and their dog Zoom Zoom—usually off chasing the next adventure.