Occupation: Executive Director
Born: Romulus, New York, December 18, 1953
Education:
PhD in Environmental Studies, Antioch University New England (2002)
MST in Science Teaching and Environmental Management, Antioch University New England (1979)
BA in Natural Sciences, Hampshire College (1977)
Diploma, Cambridge School of Weston (1975)
Certifications:
Certification in Ecology, The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA (1979)
Career:
Executive Director, Ocean River Institute, Cambridge, MA (2007-Present)
Founding Chairperson of the Board, Ocean Champions (2003-Present)
Treasurer, Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters (2011-2012)
Trustee, The Cambridge School of Weston (1986-2010)
Manager, Mass Ocean, Ocean Conservancy (2007)
Vice President, Science Policy, Ocean Alliance (2006)
Partner, Advisory Council, Boston Harbor Islands NPS Partnership (1996-2000)
Curator, Natural History, Peabody Essex Museum (1984-1992)
Assistant Scientist, Sea Education Association (1979-1980)
Career Related:
Curator of Education, New England Aquarium; Executive Director, The Discovery Museums, Acton, MA; First Assistant Scientist, R/V Westward Voyages, Sea Education Association (1979-1980)
Civic:
Founding Chairman, Ocean Champions (2003-2010); Director, National Marine Educators Association (1995-2001); Member, Board of Trustees, Cambridge School of Weston; President, National Marine Educators Association (1999-2000); Former President, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, Boston, MA (1994-2000); Member, Board of Directors, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, Boston, MA (1992-2000); General Operating Support, Grants Reviewer, Institute of Museums and Library Services (1993-1995); Council Member, Association of Youth Museums (Now Association of Children’s Museums) (1994); Member, Board of Directors, Cambridge School of Weston (1987-1994); President, Essex County Ornithological Club (1986-1994); Member, Science Literacy Task Force, Massachusetts Cultural Council (1993); Director, National Marine Educators Association (1984-1986); President, Gulf of Maine Marine Educators Association (1984-1985); Member, Massachusetts Marine Educators; Member, Virgin Islands Environmental Council; Member, Campaign for Environmental Literacy; Founder, Global Warming Problem Solvers
Achievements:
Achievements include initiating bio-regional and ecosystem-based collaborative management by naming a portion of the Massachusetts Bay “Salem Sound,” and bringing together the five municipalities, an engaged constituency of citizen scientists and eco-savvy residents to improve environmental qualities of the region
Awards:
Switzer Environmental Fellow, Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation (1996-2002); Recipient, James Centorino Award for Distinguished Performance in Marine Education, National Marine Educators Association (1988); Recipient, Rockefeller Brothers Fund Award for the Development of a College Course on Cetacean Biology, Ecology and Conservation (1976)
Memberships:
Former President, National Marine Educators Association; Former President, Essex County Ornithological Club; Member, Advisory Council, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary; Chairman, Advisory Council, Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area
Family:
Married: Toni Czekanski
Children: Jesse; Ryan; Brady
Hobbies:
Networking; Field biology; Natural history; Admiring wildlife; Whale watching; Canoeing; Kayaking; Sailing; Skiing; Hiking; Snorkeling; Scuba diving
Biography Sources:
Who’s Who in America – 2019, 72nd Edition (pub. 2019)
Who’s Who in America – 2018, 71st Edition (pub. 2018)
