The Buzzards Bay Coalition’s work to restore clean water, protect watershed lands, and engage the community is carried out by a talented group of conservation professionals. Get to know our staff below, and contact us if you have questions about our work.

To reach a staff member by phone, call (508) 999-6363 and use the extension listed by their name.

Mark Rasmussen, Buzzards Bay Coalition President and Buzzards Baykeeper®
Mark Rasmussen, President and Buzzards Baykeeper® (x201)

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. Email Mark

Brendan Annett, Vice President, Watershed Protection (x214)

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. Email Brendan

Vernon Baptista, Bay Adventure Manager (x223)

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. Email Vernon

Lilia Bartolotta, Research Assistant (x258)

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. Email Lilia

Carly Baumann, Outdoor Learning Manager (x220)

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. Email Carly

Doonie Brewer, Manager of Individual Giving (x222)

A Pennsylvanian by birth, and a New Englander at heart, Doonie joins the Coalition after three decades of teaching. Her interest in conservation began on Aquidneck Island and was nourished in the Atlantic, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. She is excited about working with BBC's dedicated team, as it undertakes a wide range of projects. Her role at the Coalition is working with donors and giving initiatives in support of those projects. Doonie lives in New Bedford with her two dogs. Email Doonie

John Chester, Real Estate Project Manager (x213)

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. Email John

Allen Decker, Esq., Director of Land Protection
Allen Decker, Director of Land Protection (x204)

Protecting the Bay’s special places is what Allen does – from working with landowners to seeking funding to coordinating closings. He received his master’s in environmental law from Vermont Law School and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina. A native South Carolinian, Allen awaits a Braves-Red Sox World Series. Email Allen

Mary Doucette, Land Stewardship Manager (x244)

Mary is part of the Coalition’s land stewardship team, helping maintain conservation lands across the Watershed. She holds bachelor’s degrees in environmental studies and sociology from Eckerd College and developed her stewardship skills over the years through volunteering, internships, and AmeriCorps. A Cape Cod native, she enjoys learning, activism, and encouraging others to get outdoors. Email Mary

Stuart Downie, Vice President, Outdoor Exploration (x227)

Stuart is a British adventurer, professional watersports instructor, and brings 16 years of outdoor adventure experience to BBC. He started his career as an instructor at the United Kingdom Sailing Academy on his native Isle of Wight directing 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 found himself moving to the shores of Buzzards Bay. Stuart aims to embody the spirit of adventure in all parts of his life and hopes to bring this to all who he encounters. Email Stuart

Amanda Dubrowski, Development Assistant (x209)

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. Email Amanda

Dan Goulart, Buttonwood to Bay Project Manager (x230)

A South Coast native with deep ties to the ocean, Dan was born and raised in New Bedford but spent the last 30 years abroad serving as a Navy SEAL. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public health from Walden University and a master's degree in sustainability from the Harvard Extension School. Heavily focused on urban green space and environmental justice, Dan also earned certificates in sustainable cities and communities from the Harvard Extension and green stormwater management from the University of New Hampshire. He is excited to be back home managing the Buttonwood Brook and Apponagansett Bay Restoration Project. When he’s not working, Dan enjoys hiking with his family, ocean paddling, and surfing the waves of Westport and Little Compton. Email Dan

Lara Gulmann, Research Associate (x240)

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. Email Lara

Patrick Igoe, Boat Captain and Facilities Technician

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. Email Patrick

Rachel Jakuba, Buzzards Bay Coalition Science Director
Rachel Jakuba, Vice President, Bay Science (x229)

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. Email Rachel

Michael Kelly, Vice President, Operations (x215)

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. Email Michael

Buzzards Bay Coalition Bookkeeper Anna Luckey
Anna Luckey, Accounting Manager (x241)

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. Email Anna

Callista MacPherson, Research Assistant (x253)

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. Email Callista

Evelyn Mortimer, Watershed Restoration Coordinator (x270)

Evelyn is part of the Coalition’s watershed team, coordinating ecological restoration projects throughout Buzzards Bay. After earning a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, she gained experience in water resource engineering and stormwater quality analysis. She enjoys being outside spending a day on the water and on rainy days can be found trying to keep her free-range pet rabbit from eating all her houseplants. Email Evelyn

Sarah Palestine, Communications Manager (x205)

Sarah is a member of the Coalition’s Advancement team, focusing on communications and foundation fundraising. Prior to joining the Coalition, she spent ten years working at the Redwoods Group, a mission-driven insurance company serving nonprofits. She graduated with a BA from Barnard College and an MBA from Duke University. She is a New Bedford native and currently lives in Dartmouth. In her spare time, she can be found cycling around the Buzzards Bay watershed. Email Sarah

Korrin Petersen, Esq., Buzzards Bay Coalition Senior Attorney
Korrin Petersen, Vice President, Clean Water Advocacy (x206)

Korrin leads the Coalition’s advocacy efforts in town halls, with state and federal agencies, and in the courts. Prior to joining the Coalition, Korrin served as counsel for the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. She received her J.D. and master’s in environmental law from Vermont Law School. Email Korrin

Buzzards Bay Coalition Restoration Ecologist Sara da Silva Quintal
Sara da Silva Quintal, Senior Restoration Ecologist (x225)

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. Email Sara

Kate Reilly, Events Manager (x208)

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. Email Kate

Adam Seablom, Land Stewardship Assistant (x257)

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. Email Adam

Jack Sidar, Buzzards Bay Coalition Land Stewardship Manager
Jack Sidar, Land Stewardship Director (x224)

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. Email Jack

Sabrina Silverbrand, Administrative Coordinator (x200)

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! Email Sabrina

Kevin Trebilcock, Senior Waterfront Manager (x228)

Kevin is part of the Onset Bay Center team, bringing a wealth of experience and passion for water sports. Hailing from the scenic mountains of Asheville, NC, he spent his time sailing and whitewater kayaking on the area’s beautiful rivers and lakes. Kevin’s deep appreciation for nature and water safety drives his commitment to educating others about the importance of preserving our waterfront ecosystems. When he’s not at work you can find him sailing on Buzzards Bay or hiking and exploring. Email Kevin

Angie Weldon, Center Manager, Onset Bay Center (x283)

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. Email Angie

Craig Willey, Land Stewardship Manager (Cuttyhunk) (x247)

Craig maintains the trails and beaches of Cuttyhunk Island during the summer months and assists the rest of the land stewardship team on the mainland in the winter. He brings his degree in environmental science as well as a background in trail building, shoreline stabilization, and ecological restoration to Buzzards Bay Coalition. When not on the island, Craig enjoys mountain biking and canoeing throughout New England. Email Craig

Tony Williams, Director of Monitoring Programs (x203)

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. Email Tony

Working to Save Buzzards Bay

The Buzzards Bay Coalition is a membership-supported organization dedicated to improving the health of the Buzzards Bay ecosystem for all through education, conservation, research, and advocacy.

We work to protect clean water on the Bay and on the land: