Fred Tutman, Riverkeeper & CEO.
Fred was born and raised along the Patuxent River as were seven generations of his ancestors before him. Prior to founding Patuxent Riverkeeper in 2004, Fred operated a business that provided professional media and mass communication services internationally. Fred also worked as volunteer activist on the Patuxent for over 20 years until the momentum of the volunteer environmental work overcame his media career and the challenge of Riverkeeping beckoned. Fred is a recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for his work on behalf of environmental causes and issues in Maryland. He also serves on a variety of Boards, Task Forces and Commissions related to the work of protecting the Patuxent and the natural environment. Among them, Fred serves on the Board of the Environmental Integrity Project, as a Governor appointed Commissioner on the State’s Patuxent River Commission and on the Board of Waterkeeper Alliance, the international group that licenses Waterkeepers. Fred has a Master of Arts degree in Media Management from Beacon College, and attended two years of full time law school at David A. Clarke School of Law in Washington, DC before transferring into a part time program where he is presently completing his law degree. Fred is an adjunct instructor at historic St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where he teaches an upper level course in Environmental Law and Policy. He is an avid kayaker and backpacker, and also helps to maintain trails on the Appalachian Trail.
Lauren Webster, Restoration Projects Coordinator
Lauren Webster joined Patuxent Riverkeeper as a Volunteer Maryland Coordinator in August 2005 as an AmeriCorps member. She has since become a staff member as the Restoration Program Coordinator. Lauren is a native of Southern Maryland having lived on the Chesapeake Bay for nearly her entire life. She has been involved in preservation and restoration activities on the Bay and adjoining waterways. Lauren received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland University College and also holds a Certificate of Volunteer Management. She coordinates restoration and volunteer events for Patuxent Riverkeeper.
Nancy Smart, Business Manager
Nancy is a watershed activist who also helps us manage our funds, grants and internal operations, keeping accounts in order, the business paperwork flowing on time and the membership records. Formerly a journalist with the Voice of America, Nancy also brings a wealth of knowledge and commitment to the cause of protecting the Patuxent. She has a BA in government from Smith College, and an MS in environmental management from University of Maryland University College.
Patuxent Riverkeeper Board of Directors, 2009
Larry Silverman
Larry J. Silverman is a Washington, DC attorney who has specialized in environmental law for more than 30 years. He teaches Natural Resources Law and Policy and Public Lands Policy at Johns Hopkins University, in a part-time master’s degree program. He is a registered lobbyist and represents and advises municipalities, innovative businesses and conservation organizations in their dealings with the federal government. He was a founding board member and counselor to the Anacostia Watershed Society.
Dr. Walter Boynton
Dr. Walter Boynton is a Professor at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, running two labs focused on estuarine ecology, the Estuarine Ecology Field Lab and the Nutrient Analytical Services Laboratory. Dr. Boynton has research awards from the National Science Foundation, the Maryland Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, the Estuarine Research Federation and the University of Maryland, and serves on several EPA National Committees.
Nancy Davis
Nancy Davis has been an environmental activist for more than 30 years. Working for Friends of the Earth (then called Environmental Policy Center) spurred her into action. She helped start the Maryland League of Conservation Voters and serves now as immediate Past Chair. She was also active in many capacities of the Sierra Club. Nancy has served on the Patuxent River Commission at the behest of Chairman Bernie Fowler. In addition, her personal property hosts an unnamed tributary of the Middle Patuxent River.
Ralph Eshelman, Ph. D.
Ralph Eshelman is the owner and CEO of Eshelman & Associates, a cultural resource management and museum consultation company. He was the founding director of the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, Maryland, a local government sponsored museum. Ralph was responsible for numerous aspects of the museum’s operations including administration and exhibit development. Dr. Eshelman is considered a leading authority in the history and paleontology of the Patuxent River.
Richard Dolesh
Richard Dolesh has worked with parks, resource conservation and natural resources for nearly all of his professional life. Most of his experience in these areas has been on the Patuxent River. He is currently a Senior Policy Associate with the National Recreation and Park Association, previously was Director of Forest, Wildlife, and Heritage Service for Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and before that, was Chief of Natural and Historical Resources for Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (MNCPPC). He is the author of a number of articles in the Parks and Recreation Magazine and other publications relating to parks and conservation.
Iantha Gantt-Wright
Iantha Gantt-Wright is President and Founder of The Kenian Group Diversity Coaching and Consulting, which develops and institutes diversity programs, inclusive strategic plans, and effective diversity or leadership training. She currently serves as the lead organizer for the Diverse Partners for Environmental Progress national summit. Iantha previously served as Director of Diversity for the National Parks Conservation Association and Staff Director and Mid-Atlantic Regional Supervisor for Clean Water Action.
James Gee
James Gee is a certified public accountant with over 21 years of experience with such diverse organizations as the Democratic National Committee, various multi-national corporations and numerous nonprofit organizations both large and small. He has considerable experience with fiscal operations, finance and audits. Born and raised in the Chesapeake Bay watershed on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, James has a double B.S. in Business Management and Accounting from Bowie State University.