
Maddie Cholnoky
(She/Her/Hers)
Mission: Iconic Reefs Implementation Manager
Key Largo, FL
Maddie has always been drawn to the ocean, ever since her first word – “fish”. She graduated with a degree in environmental studies and, not long after, ventured to Key Largo, Florida, to pursue a career in scuba diving instruction and marine conservation. Maddie is currently working towards a master’s degree in environmental science and policy through Johns Hopkins University.
As a PADI MSDT, Maddie dedicates her free time to guiding dives around the captivating Florida Keys. Her focus extends beyond teaching diving skills, as she strives to instill a sense of responsibility in divers, encouraging them to be mindful stewards of the underwater world. Maddie’s career is diverse, encompassing financial firm work, non-profit initiatives centered on marine debris removal, and collaborative efforts with local businesses to integrate marine conservation into their business strategies.
Currently, Maddie builds, implements, and oversees stewardship components for Mission: Iconic Reefs, including the Iconic Reef Guardians program, which aims to empower scuba divers and snorkelers to be knowledgeable and supportive of coral restoration efforts and to become stewards of Mission: Iconic Reef sites.
“Every wall is a door.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson