ShoreRivers is pleased to announce that it has welcomed several new members to its Governing Board this year: Jill Bible, Linda Gaydos, Skip Ivison, Frank Lewis, Gene Lopez, Doug Mayorga, and Janet Ruhl. As a grassroots nonprofit organization, the hard work and support of board members is imperative to the organization’s efforts for healthier rivers on the Eastern Shore. ShoreRivers extends deep gratitude for the wise counsel, encouragement, and vision of these exceptional community members. See the full list of Board members at ShoreRivers.org/leadership.

These new voices will bring a wealth of expertise to ShoreRivers, including water quality research pertaining to oyster health, agriscience research into safer pesticides, human resources, and labor and finance law. Paired with a deep commitment to clean rivers and healthy Eastern Shore communities, these new members will strengthen the organization’s robust science-based advocacy, restoration, and education efforts.

Jill Bible is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & Studies at Washington College. She holds a PhD in Ecology from the University of California, Davis and has centered her research on how humans are affecting the ecosystems on which we depend and applying that knowledge to conservation and restoration. Much of her work has focused on restoration of native oysters. She has served on ShoreRivers’ Chester Watershed Advisory Board since 2019.

Linda Gaydos retired from a career as a healthcare information technology consultant and clinician and developed a passion for clean water and healthy ecosystems. She was introduced to ShoreRivers through its volunteer Tree Stewards program, and remains a staple at the organization’s tree plantings. Her volunteer work has expanded to include oyster cage building, helping at fundraising events, serving as a SwimTester, sitting on the Sassafras Watershed Advisory Board, and much, much more.

Skip Ivison is a retired human resources professional who lives on the Sassafras River. He previously served as President and CEO of Sterling Executive Advisors, LLC, and combined his strong technical background with more than 15 years of HR experience to provide a full range of executive coaching, leadership development, and consulting services. Ivison is also a lifelong sailor on the Chesapeake Bay and active member of his church.

Frank Lewis is the owner of an organic farm, a retired surgeon, and the former executive director of the American Board of Surgery. He has worked in hospitals around the country and served on the editorial boards of several medical journals and publications. A native of Wicomico County, he now calls Millington, Maryland, home.

Gene Lopez is a retired lawyer, who worked for 36 years for the federal government and private companies. He has experience in both labor and finance law, and has lived on Broad Creek in St. Michaels since 2014. An active ShoreRivers volunteer, Lopez has assisted with water quality and submerged aquatic vegetation monitoring and on several river clean-ups. He currently chairs the Choptank Watershed Advisory Board.

Doug Mayorga grew up on the Eastern Shore and brings to the Board decades of experience in non-profit leadership and human resources. He is currently the HR Manager at For All Seasons in Easton and was first introduced to (and inspired to get involved with) ShoreRivers through a meeting of the Talbot Equity Coalition.

Janet Ruhl is a long-time supporter of ShoreRivers, having first served on the Board of the Sassafras River Association, one of its legacy organizations, and as a current member of its Sassafras Watershed Advisory Board. Professionally, Ruhl is retired from a 30-year career with DuPont/Corteva Agriscience, where she developed new and safer pesticides for agricultural use and specialized in human exposure to pesticides and assessments of risk. She holds a PhD in analytical chemistry, is President of the Fox Hole Estates Community Association, and is an active ShoreRivers volunteer and ambassador.

In addition to its new members, the Board also recently elected its Executive Committee for 2024, which consists of Marian Fry, Chair; Meta Boyd, Vice Chair; Scott Budden, Treasurer; Barbara Boyd, Secretary, and Maura Bollinger, At-Large.

ShoreRivers also celebrates several long-time Board members whose board terms end this year: William Anderson, II; Ted Carski; Brice Gamber; Dan Hayes; Andrew McCown; and Brennan Starkey. The organization is incredibly grateful to each of them for their years of dedicated service and invaluable contributions.

In addition to the Governing Board, ShoreRivers appreciates open dialogue with dedicated community member volunteers through its four Watershed Advisory Boards. Volunteers for each Watershed Advisory Board support the organization’s mission as local, grassroots ambassadors. New advisory board members who care deeply about their river and their community and are ready to volunteer their time to work for cleaner waterways are always welcome. Please contact your local Riverkeeper if that sounds like you.