Mark grew up on Buzzards Bay and has dedicated his career to making the greatest possible impact on its restoration and protection. President since 1998, Mark’s path with the Coalition flows through an oyster farm, Woods Hole science missions, and positions as a staffer at the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management and associate at the Stockholm International Water Institute. He is a graduate of Boston College and Harvard University
Bay Science
Rachel oversees the Coalition’s research and monitoring efforts. She joined the Coalition in 2011 after managing the Cooks River Sustainability Initiative in Sydney, Australia. Rachel received her doctorate in Oceanography from the MIT/WHOI Joint Program. She’s a native of Maryland, where she grew up enjoying the Chesapeake Bay.
As a part of the Coalition’s Bay Science team, Lilia helps survey water quality and ecosystem health throughout the Buzzard’s Bay Watershed. She graduated from Binghamton University with a BS in Biology as well as a minor in Environmental Studies. Originally from Long Island, Lilia has always had a passion for marine life and environments, she hopes to help research and restore essential aquatic ecosystems along the east coast through her work with the BBC.
Lara is part of the Coalition’s Bay Science team and focuses on salt marsh health and Buzzards Bay water quality. She received her PhD in biological oceanography from the MIT/WHOI Joint Program. Lara has worked at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and UC Berkeley researching salt marsh crab ecology, microbiology of deep-sea vents and impacts of marine pollution. Lara lives in Falmouth with her family and enjoys swimming in, paddling on, and watching sunsets over Buzzards Bay whenever possible.
Melanie's focus is on water and sediment quality and the health of eelgrass ecosystems around Buzzards Bay. She earned her PhD in Natural Resources from Cornell University and conducted postdoctoral research at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, with a focus on West Falmouth Harbor. Her work in the harbor over more than two decades has focused on chemical cycling, primary productivity, and nitrogen loading to the system, as well as whole-ecosystem impacts from nitrogen pollution. Originally from Connecticut, Melanie is currently a resident of Bourne and enjoys boating and scuba diving in the Bay, as well as exploring the intertidal with her family.
Callista joined the Coalition as an intern after graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is excited to return as a Research Assistant on the Long-term Salt Marsh Monitoring project. Previously, she has studied freshwater ecology and entomology, but her primary interests lie in wetland ecosystems. She is passionate about connecting people to the outdoors and enjoys mountain biking and hiking in her free time.
Since 1996, Tony has coordinated the Coalition’s citizen science monitoring programs, including the award-winning Baywatchers water quality monitoring program. When he’s not monitoring the Bay, he can often be found hiking a trail or exploring a beach with his daughter.
Outdoor Exploration
Stuart is a British adventurer and professional watersports instructor with 25 years in the outdoor adventure industry. He began his career at the United Kingdom Sailing Academy on his native Isle of Wight, where he directed community sailing programs for youth and adults. More recently, he led outdoor youth leadership training programs in the United Arab Emirates, where he met his Fairhaven-born future wife and soon found himself on the shores of Buzzards Bay. For the past four years, Stuart has brought his passion and expertise to the Buzzards Bay Coalition, where he aims to embody the spirit of adventure in all parts of his life and strives to share that same energy and inspiration with everyone he encounters.
Vernon, a native of Wareham, developed a profound interest in the great outdoors from an early age. He cherishes the memories of exploring, beachcombing, swimming, camping, biking, fishing, and playing sports on the South Coast. After earning a bachelor's degree at UMass Dartmouth, he traveled cross country to California before eventually resettling in Massachusetts, where he became a proud father of five kids. He is a seasoned expert in facilitating activities for the Wareham Public Schools and is excited to help others forge a bond with captivating Buzzards Bay.
Carly works with the Coalition’s school partnerships to connect students with outdoor discovery and learning programs on Buzzards Bay and surrounding watershed environments. She draws from her varied past experiences as an educator and program developer in schools, camps, nature conservation organizations, and a children’s museum. A native Pennsylvanian, Carly now loves living by the tides with her husband and daughters on Sconticut Neck, Fairhaven. Carly is also a certified yoga and meditation instructor.
Abby is a Buzzards Bay native who has been sailing the waters for years. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire with degrees in Environmental Science and Sustainability, she discovered her passion for outdoor recreation and environmental education while working at the UNH Community Sailing Center. As a sailing instructor and later Assistant Director, she gained both knowledge and enthusiasm for working on the water. Abby enjoys racing sailboats around New England and is dedicated to connecting people with their environment through hands-on outdoor exploration that inspires care for our coastal ecosystems.
Angie supports and develops our youth and community programs at Onset Bay Center. She earned her bachelor's degree in youth development, outside the classroom from Ithaca College. Angie brings with her a wealth of experience in summer camps, after school programming, and classroom teaching. She loves being outside as much as possible, hiking, and adventuring with her puppy sidekick, Tilly.
Watershed Protection
Brendan oversees all of the Coalition’s land conservation and stewardship activities as well as habitat restoration projects. Brendan received his master’s in biology from the Boston University Marine Program in Woods Hole, focusing on anadromous fish. He is a former manager of the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
John manages the Coalition’s real estate projects during their acquisition, protection and transfer. He works closely with landowners, tenants, contractors, and municipalities to maintain and renovate the various structures and improvements on properties during the course of the conservation process. His professional background is in construction, real estate appraisal and sales. John grew up in Wilmington, NC with frequent family visits to Little Compton and the greater RI/MA area. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University with a B.S. in geography. In his abundant free time, he enjoys renovating his very old house, wrangling his goofy dogs, and cooking strange and delicious food.
Mary is part of the Coalition’s Watershed Protection team, helping manage and monitor conservation lands across the Watershed. She holds a bachelor’s degree in both environmental studies and sociology from Eckerd College and developed her stewardship and land protection skills over the years through volunteering, internships, and AmeriCorps. She enjoys sunshine, sand, and salty waves, spending time with her partner and their Bernese mountain dog, and encouraging others to spend more time outdoors.
Prosser grew up in Marion, spending much of his life exploring Buzzards Bay. He studied Environmental Science, Botany and Latin at Connecticut College where he spent much of his time playing ultimate frisbee, volleyball and soccer, exploring the arboretum and helping to design and install a solar array. Prosser can often be found mucking about local forests with his family, whether biking, ice skating, looking for mushrooms or avoiding his archnemesis: the Carolina Wren. He is very excited to continue with land stewardship after his internship this summer.
John serves as the Director of Land Protection in support of the Coalition's conservation efforts throughout the Watershed. A Massachusetts native, John received his bachelor's degree from Colorado College and master's degree from Western Colorado University. Prior to joining the Coalition, John served as the Conservation Restriction Reviewer for the Commonwealth's Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and as the Director of Transactions at the Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust. He began his career in conservation with the Coastal Mountains Land Trust in Maine and previously worked in the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park (where he also met his future wife, Brooke), exploring many of its numerous salt marshes and tidal flats with school groups as an instructor for the Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center.
Evelyn is part of the Coalition’s watershed team, coordinating ecological restoration projects throughout Buzzards Bay. She earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where she was active in the Engineers Without Borders chapter. After graduation, she gained consulting experience in water resources engineering. She’s happiest outdoors, especially on the water surfing or kayaking. On special occasions, you can find her transforming into the Coalition’s mascot, CW the fish; Buzzards Bay’s most enthusiastic dancer.
Sara manages the Coalition’s ecological restoration projects around Buzzards Bay, from The Sawmill to the Weweantic River. A New Bedford native, Sara enjoys exploring the local waters by kayak and sailing Azorean whaleboats. She received a master’s degree in environmental science from the University of Rhode Island.
Adam grew up in Lakeville, Massachusetts and currently lives in Middleboro. He graduated from UMass Dartmouth, where he played basketball for four years, and grew up camping, fishing, hiking, and riding and repairing off-road vehicles - just about anything involving the outdoors. He is incredibly excited to be working for the Coalition.
Jack leads the Coalition’s land stewardship program, managing land from Westport to Falmouth. A native of Maine, Jack most recently was the stewardship coordinator for The 300 Committee Land Trust in Falmouth. Jack is an avid fly fisherman who enjoys wading streams for brook trout and chasing down striped bass in Buzzards Bay.
Scott focuses on water quality in Buzzards Bay and its watershed, and stewardship of the Cuttyhunk Island reserves. His passion for environmental stewardship stems from a lifelong connection to the Bay through Cuttyhunk, where many days spent oyster farming, teaching sailing, and exploring nature shaped his love for the Island – one he now shares with his family. He earned his PhD in ecology from the University of Alberta and led postdoctoral research at Harvard University and the Woodwell Climate Research Center on water chemistry, land-water linkages, and ecosystem health.
Public Engagement
Marlissa Briggett
(508) 999-6363 x202
Marlissa grew up spending her summers at her grandparent’s cottage in Onset where Wickets Island represented the height of childhood adventure. She was thrilled when the Coalition stepped in to protect and open the island to future generations of children and she is even more thrilled to be part of the Coalition, overseeing its public engagement activities. Marlissa graduated from Harvard College and Boston College Law School.
Hannah oversees the design of all BBC communications and publications including the South Coast Almanac. Hannah is a graduate of Syracuse University and a founding principal of Mediumstudio, a New Bedford-based, community-focused design agency fiercely committed to celebrating and protecting this special place that surrounds and inspires us.
Scott is the Coalition’s Communications Director and the editor of South Coast Almanac. He was raised in Millis, Massachusetts and made frequent family trips to Horseneck Beach during his childhood summers. After working in New York City, the San Francisco Bay area, and Washington, DC, he returned home to New England to edit Cape Cod Magazine. He has also worked in communications for another renowned non-profit in the area—the International Fund for Animal Welfare. He helped found South Coast Almanac in 2015. He has a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a master’s from Syracuse.
Coco focuses on our digital media efforts. She has a background in marketing and earned her bachelor's degree in strategic communications from the University of Minnesota. Although she grew up in the Midwest, she always looked forward to spending summers with her family on the South Coast. Outside of the office, you can find her attending local events or hiking with her dog, Franklin!
Kate is the Events Manager at the Buzzards Bay Coalition, where she oversees the Watershed Ride and the Buzzards Bay Swim. A UMass Dartmouth graduate, Kate has been a long-term resident of New Bedford and has a deep appreciation for the area. She enjoys exploring local hiking trails, biking across the watershed, and spending time at the region’s beautiful beaches.
Advancement
John comes to Buzzards Bay by way of Maine. A native of the Pine Tree State, John has long been passionate about the vital role philanthropy plays in conserving lands and waters and securing outdoor access and recreational opportunities for youth, families and communities’ mental and physical health. John received his MBA from the University of Denver and for nearly a decade served as Campaign Director and then Vice President of the Maine based Fundraising Consulting firm Demont Associates. There, he counseled a variety of not-for-profit organizations in raising $75M+. In his spare time, John enjoys running, hiking, reading, golfing, and embarking on new adventures with his wife Alejandra and their Super-Mutt Francis.
Justin oversees the Annual Fund, connecting people’s passion for Buzzards Bay with their philanthropic support to protect its waters and lands and ensure access for all.
He holds a BA in Sociology from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree from North Park Theological Seminary. Before joining the Coalition, Justin spent ten years in fundraising at Manomet Conservation Sciences.
Justin’s appreciation for the natural world began in his childhood in Michigan, where he explored the Great Lakes. After trading freshwater for the saltwater shores of Marion, he can often be found outside the office birding enthusiastically, kayaking, or hiking local trails with his family and their fluffy Goldendoodle.
Amanda has a BA from Clark University in psychology and sociology. Her passion for the environment started with a trail-building project when she was a corps member with AmeriCorps*NCCC. Following almost 11 years in admissions at an educational institution, Amanda was eager to get back into the environmental field and was thrilled to learn about the Buzzards Bay Coalition. She understands the critical importance engagement and fundraising plays in the success of non-profit organizations and is excited to be a part of the Coalition's dynamic advancement team.
Operations
Michael oversees the Coalition's operational and business activities. He grew up in the coastal Boston area, is a graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and is a licensed Master Mariner with more than 15 years at sea. Transitioning ashore, Michael continued to focus on the ocean, working on key cutting edge technologies such as undersea cables, wave energy, oceanographic observatories, undersea robotics and autonomous systems. Since changing focus to non-profits, he has held positions at the University of Washington School of Oceanography, Consortium for Ocean Leadership, and most recently the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. Michael also holds an MBA from Rutgers University.
Patrick Igoe is the captain of the R/V Baykeeper and facilities technician at Buzzards Bay Coalition. Patrick is a Mattapoisett native and has spent most of his life working on vessels throughout the New England region. He completed his certification for marine surveying at Chapman School of Seamanship in Stuart, Florida in 2023 and is a marine surveying partner with his father, James Igoe. Patrick is also ABYC certified for systems found on vessels. Patrick has a love for Buzzards Bay and considers it his second home.
Anna handles the Coalition's day-to-day bookkeeping needs. She grew up on the island of Martha's Vineyard, and after having lived in several other corners of the world has recently settled in Fairhaven. Anna received her bachelor's degree from Bard College and she is thrilled to be a part of the important work the Coalition is doing.
Sabrina is the Administrative Coordinator at the Coalition and can often be found in the Learning Center at the Coalition's New Bedford headquarters. She was born and raised in Buzzards Bay and has spent a lot of time working on her family's oyster farm. Sabrina is a graduate of Roger Williams University with a degree in business management and is delighted to be a part of the Buzzards Bay Coalition team!
The Buzzards Bay Coalition’s work to protect clean water is guided by a volunteer board of directors hailing from across the watershed. The Leadership Council consists of community members who provide expertise, contacts, and resources that help us achieve our mission.
Board of Directors
Board Officers
- Mark Rasmussen, President, Dartmouth
- David Croll, Chair, Marion
- Mike Huguenin, Vice Chair, Mattapoisett
- Chris Schade, Treasurer, Dartmouth
- Melissa Haskell, Clerk, Dartmouth
Board Members
- Michael Angelini, Esq., West Falmouth
- Julius Britto, Rochester
- Virginia Clark, Pocasset
- Doug Crocker, Marion
- Don Dufault, Westport
- Paul Elias, Gosnold
- Neil Kamal Ganju, Falmouth
- Peter Grauer, Marion
- Megan Garretson Lane, North Kingstown
- Sheila Morse, West Tisbury
- Christopher Neill, Falmouth
- Laura Brenninkmeyer Nielsen, Dartmouth
- Christine Parks, Fairhaven
- Skylah Reis, New Bedford
- Scott Zeien, North Falmouth
Leadership Council
- Jay Austin, West Falmouth
- Chris Baldwin, Westport
- Margie Baldwin, Marion
- Rob Beams, Marion
- Pam Beck, Little Compton
- Jim Bevilacqua, Dartmouth
- Jono Billings, Bourne
- Simone de Bourgeois, Fairhaven
- Peg Brandon, Falmouth
- Gioia Browne, Little Compton
- John Bullard, Westport
- Lizanne Campbell, Mattapoisett
- Stephen Canessa, Lakeville
- Ken Cheitlin, Pocasset
- Derek Christianson, Dartmouth
- Markie Clowes, Falmouth
- Sarah Cogswell, Little Compton
- Beth Colt, Woods Hole
- Cynthia Crocker, Marion
- Gail Davidson, Dartmouth
- Bob Daylor, Westport
- Chris Demakis, Mattapoisett
- Drew Dimmick, Vineyard Haven
- Weatherly Dorris, Quissett
- Alison Durant, Dartmouth
- Deanna Elliott, Lakeville
- Joanne Fallon, West Falmouth
- Laurell Farinon, Acushnet
- John Farrington, Falmouth
- Larry Fish, West Falmouth
- Allin Frawley, Middleborough
- Seth Garfield, Westport
- Tally Garfield, Dartmouth
- Anne Giblin, Falmouth
- Kirby Gilmore, Rochester
- Sam Gray, Wareham
- Whit Griswold, Vineyard Haven
- Lara Harrington, New Bedford
- Jessica Harris, Marion
- A. Lee Hayes, Marion
- Andy Herlihy, Dartmouth
- L.T. Hill, West Falmouth
- Jordan Hitch, Dartmouth
- Jonathan Howland, Marion
- Gary Johnson, Mattapoisett
- Steve Kanovsky, Mattapoisett
- Russ Keeler, Rochester
- Morris Kellogg, Dartmouth
- Sam Knight, Dartmouth
- Bob Kretschmar, Falmouth
- Sarah Laird, Westport
- Jennifer Lynch, Cuttyhunk
- Lloyd MacDonald, Dartmouth
- Paul Maeder, Westport
- Fred Makrauer, Falmouth
- Chloe Mangold, Westport
- Ted Martin, North Falmouth
- Brendan McCarthy, Mattapoisett
- Ian McDonald, West Falmouth
- Mary McFadden, Wareham
- David Modest, Pocasset
- Gene Monteiro, Dartmouth
- Michael Moore, Marion
- Sheila Morse, West Tisbury
- Susan Morse, Quissett
- Hugh Morton, Westport
- Elizabeth Munro, Cataumet
- Randy Parker, Marion
- Jim Rathmann, Westport
- Chris Reddy, Falmouth
- John Ross, Dartmouth
- Tanja Ryden, Westport
- Will Saltonstall, Marion
- Heather Sawitsky, Marion
- Narain Schroeder, Housatonic
- Laura Ryan Shachoy, Marion
- Ben Shattuck, Dartmouth
- Tim Shields, Marion
- Lt. Elizabeth Simmons, Onset
- Ben Singer, Westport
- Jay Smith, Falmouth
- Steve Smith, Mattapoisett
- Jay Swent III, Cataumet
- Rob Thieler, Falmouth
- John Vasconcellos, New Bedford
- Hilary Vineyard, Mattapoisett
- Brad Wakeman, Fairhaven
- John Waterbury, Woods Hole
- Natalie White, Middleborough
- Toffer Winslow, Quissett
- Sherbie Worthen, Onset
- Stewart Young, Gosnold