2024 NMEA Elections—Candidates
The NMEA Board is the leadership body that ensures our organization is sustainable and steers our forward progress in a manner that reflects our membership’s needs. The board has created new scholarship opportunities, established new committees, hired new staff, and supported the purchase of new technologies to improve members’ experiences. And this was all in the last few years!
Below is a slate of candidates that have stepped up to offer their service to the organization and we could not be more appreciative of the time and talent they are extending to our organization. Each of these elected positions serves a three-year term.
All members in good standing should have received a ballot link via email the week of July 8. We encourage you to exercise your membership right to vote in the annual election. Your vote counts towards defining the leadership of NMEA, which helps to shape the future and the success of our organization. We thank you for your participation. THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT YOUR VOTE IS JULY 23. The new board members will begin their terms at the NMEA 2024 Annual Business Meeting during the conference.
Please select one President-Elect candidate, one Treasurer candidate, and four Board of Directors candidates from the slate of nominees. In 2022, the NMEA board voted to increase the number of directors by one each year for the next 3 years, to end up with 12 directors. As a result, there will be four director positions available in 2024.
Many thanks,
Laura Diederick
NMEA Past-President (2023-2024)
President-elect Candidates
Frances Lang, California
How do you currently support marine education?
I created and currently lead the Teach For the Ocean Initiative at The Ocean Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving global ocean health, climate resilience, and the blue economy. I lead the development of training modules, information and networking resources, and mentorship services to support our community of marine educators as they work together to advance their approach to teaching and deliver sustained behavior change. In celebration of Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2024, I organized an Educators Summit for over 80 educators from across disciplines and career stages at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.
I also teach an Ocean Conservation Behavior course as part of UC San Diego’s Sustainability & Behavior Change Certificate Program. Previously, I founded and served as Executive Director of Ocean Connectors for nearly 15 years. I led all aspects of program development, implementation, evaluation, fundraising, and executive communications for our marine education projects in the U.S. and Mexico. I am a Certified Interpretive Guide and have worked as a Substitute Schoolteacher in San Diego, CA. I am currently serving as the Conservation Committee Chair for NMEA and have enjoyed the opportunity to deepen my connection with this amazing group.
What skills or assets would you bring to NMEA?
I have worked as a nonprofit leader and marine education practitioner throughout my entire career, and I believe my cross-functional collaboration skills and strategic partnership expertise will serve NMEA well during its next chapter. My experience working across disciplines both nationally and internationally will allow me to build connections and provide support to the broader NMEA membership base, as well as to continue promoting NMEA’s presence in the global marine education community. I am bilingual and received my Master’s Degree from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. I have presented at several NMEA conferences as well as at NAAEE, UNOC, OSM, and other fora.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
While I have not served as a Director previously, I have been involved with NMEA since 2008 and can offer a fresh perspective as President-Elect.
Tami Lunsford, Delaware
How do you currently support marine education?
As the K-12 Science Senior Team Leader at Newark Charter School in Newark, Delaware, I teach AP Biology and Marine Science half time and coach other science teachers half time. I have a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a Biology concentration from the University of Delaware, and a Master’s Degree in Marine Science from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary. Throughout my career, I have taught at several types of high schools across the U.S., been a university and a community college professor, coordinated professional development at the University of Hawaii and the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center, run the MATE Technical Internship Program, including on UNOLS vessels around the world, and worked with NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research since 2009 on professional development related to deep ocean exploration.
What skills or assets would you bring to NMEA?
I have served on the Board of Directors, including serving as President, for both the National Marine Educators Association and Mid Atlantic Marine Education Association. I was also awarded the Milken Educator Award in 2017 and am the only Milken Educator ever awarded in the state of Delaware.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I am beyond humbled to be asked to run for President-elect of NMEA again, as this organization and its people mean a tremendous amount to me.
Treasurer CANDIDATE
Don Pinkerton, Massachusetts
How do you currently support marine education?
I support marine science education by serving on the Board of Directors of Massachusetts Marine Educators for the past 10 years. I have served as President and Treasurer. I am a regular attendee at NMEA annual meetings, am a co-chair of the 2024 conference, and serve as a Director on the board. I have been passionate about marine science my entire life. As a teacher (now retired from the classroom), I taught an oceanography class and worked to include marine science themes in my freshman biology class. I have served as a volunteer with the marine mammal rescue team at the New England Aquarium. I am currently founding a non-profit organization called LynnLab in Lynn, Massachusetts, which will include marine science themes in its programming, since Lynn is an ocean-front community.
What skills or assets would you bring to NMEA?
I have experience in executive leadership and finance, having served as an officer of several non-profit organizations, and on municipal boards. I was President and Treasurer of MME and also the Swampscott Yacht Club, and served as chair of the Finance Committee in the Town of Swampscott. I also have experience with strategic planning.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I value relationships and believe in building strong networks.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES
In 2022, the NMEA board voted to increase our number of directors by one each year for the next 3 years, to end up with 12 directors. As a result, there will be four director positions available in 2024.
Sonia Ahrabi, New York
How do you currently support marine education?
As the Manager of Education Programs at the New York Aquarium I lead a dynamic team in coordinating and implementing diverse educational programs, including school field trips, family programs, and summer camps. I look for opportunities to update existing programs or create new ones that strengthen climate change and ocean literacy among students and adults. Last year as part of a funded program to engage local students with offshore wind energy I developed a new school program to encourage student groups to propose community level climate solutions. To further build on the in-class program, I connected teachers with the Sea-Level Rise in the Classroom curriculum that I developed in my past position with the Program for Local Adaptation to Climate Effects: Sea-Level Rise. I also look for opportunities to collaborate with internal and external partners to foster relationships and expand diversity and inclusion. We launched a free family beach club program for Brooklyn residents to be guided in nature play activities. We also create social narratives for our programs so participants know what to expect in our facility and classroom spaces.
What skills or assets would you bring to NMEA?
I am very organized and love creating spreadsheets. For fun I created a spreadsheet with 64 different reef safe sunscreens with sortable categories including: Environmental Working Group (EWG) rating, packaging type, and price. I am also skilled at making graphics and fliers on Canva. I have created scavenger hunts, trivia presentations, and event fliers for my team and others. Finally, I am upbeat and skilled at leading in-person and virtual professional development and teambuilding.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I served as Treasurer for the Southern Association of Marine Educators as well as co-lead for Coast Women in Science.
Bailey Dawson, Georgia
How do you currently support marine education?
As the Director of Education at Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, I bring more than 15 years of educational experience in formal and informal institutions. Before joining the aquarium team in 2019, I served 10 years with the Georgia Public School System, teaching and supporting students in Title 1 schools. I served the school system in many capacities including teacher, mentor, coaching, as well as leadership. My educational experiences span the entire K-12 platform and include all subject areas.
I have worked to transform Georgia Aquarium’s educational curriculum to align with National and State Standards, revitalized our Educational Outreach Program—including a new Education Outreach Traveling RV, and was instrumental in establishing the Aquarium's first fully independent Education Virtual Academy. I have maintained a focus on providing opportunities to explore STEM and STEAM based careers to youth in underrepresented communities, such as minority females, and was able to obtain accreditation from Cognia as the 1st STEM Certified Aquarium in the world.
What skills or assets would you bring to NMEA?
Over the past few years, I have served as a Director, a member of the Executive Committee, and an active participant in the NMEA Equity and Belonging Committee. I graduated from Alabama State University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Education and earned a Masters of Education in Instructional Technology and Ed.S in Educational Leadership both from Kennesaw State University.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I’m a native of Selma, Alabama. I enjoy watching sports, traveling, and spending time with my wife Ravelle and daughters Kennedy and Laila.
Kathy Fuller, Maryland
How do you currently support marine education?
I am an Environmental Education Resource Teacher at the William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center in Prince George’s County Public Schools, Maryland. My primary focus is teaching students about the importance of watersheds, how we are all connected to our environment, and what we can do to ensure our health and the planet’s health. I joined the staff at the Schmidt Center after working in the non-profit environmental education field for over twenty years at organizations like the National Aquarium, Under the Sea, Horsehead Wetlands Center, and the North Carolina Aquariums. I have been active in the National Marine Educators Association for more than twenty-five years, currently serving as Co-Chair of the Student Engagement Committee and is completing my first term on the Board of Directors.
What skills or assets would you bring to NMEA?
I hold a Bachelors of Science degree in Marine Biology with a Secondary Biology Teacher’s Certificate from the University of North Carolina – Wilmington and a Master of Arts in Teaching Biological Sciences degree from Miami University of Ohio through the Global Field Program. I value professional organizations like NMEA and actively participate in conferences and events as there are always new things to learn.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I love kayaking, SCUBA diving, and volunteering for local environmental organizations like the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and the National Aquarium.
Maria Madrigal, California
How do you currently support marine education?
I am currently the Education Specialist for the University of Southern California Sea Grant program where my main focus is supporting and leading education programs focused on what we have termed the Urban Ocean. Los Angeles County is a largely urbanized area with diverse communities with varying awareness of their connection to the ocean. My work involves leading hands-on field experiences not only for school groups but also for community members interested in learning and contributing to an understanding of our marine environment. For those unable to meet me along the coast, I support their education through classroom presentations and visitations. I also work with young adults both in an academic setting and in workforce development settings. Undergraduate students are engaged in Sea Grant’s projects and I am fortunate to mentor them throughout a semester or two. I also work with local conservation corps by providing introductory job-skills training in marine education and husbandry.
What skills or assets would you bring to NMEA?
With 20 years of experience working for a non-profit, I am keenly aware of how to make the best use of limited resources and to tap into one’s creativity to make big ideas happen. Working as an informal educator supporting classroom teachers, also provided some insight into the challenges teachers face as they try to connect students with the marine environment. Working for a local conservation corps also helped me see the potential for reaching audiences beyond the traditional academic pipeline. Workforce development organizations need support in meeting the needs of young adults that are out of school and unemployed.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I am passionate about supporting programs that engage people in various ways and at different stages of their lives.
Cassie Stymiest, Maine
How do you currently support marine education?
I am the Executive Director of Educational Passages, a nonprofit that connects people around the world to the ocean and each other through unique global learning experiences. I have more than 15 years of expertise in collaborating with scientists, students, and fishermen, and have been instrumental in deploying ocean monitoring systems that enhance educational curricula both inside and outside the classroom, with a goal of fostering educational and environmental stewardship. This unique and comprehensive approach provides tailored support for educators to raise awareness and engage diverse audiences around the world. My work to empower the next generation of maritime professionals has garnered both local and international media attention.
What skills or assets would you bring to NMEA?
As the Outreach Committee Chair for the National Marine Educators Association and the President Elect for the Gulf of Maine Marine Education Association (GOMMEA), I hope to improve and expand access to marine education. Furthermore, my involvement as an Active Member and Past Chair of the New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative (NEOSEC) underlines my commitment to enhancing ocean literacy through collaboration.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology with a minor in Creative Arts from the University of New England, as well as a Certificate in Project Management from the University of New Hampshire. My academic background and professional achievements exemplify my dedication to merging scientific inquiry with creative problem-solving, and I am a respected leader in the marine education community.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I love exploring tidepools and searching for coastal treasurers, crafting, and spending time with family and friends.
Leann Winn, New York
How do you currently support marine education?
My experience as a Marine Educator began at Ripley's Aquarium while majoring in Marine Science at Coastal Carolina University (Conway, SC), and I found a passion for working in K-12 schools after being a Research Assistant with the RJ Dunlap Marine Conservation Program (Miami, FL). Since then, I have been an educator for more than 15 years in over 5 institutions and currently hold an Upper School Faculty position at Trevor Day School (Manhattan, NY). In my current role, I instituted the Marine Science curriculum and serve as the Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. As a member of the Teacher Advisory Council for the NY Aquarium, I collaborate in the development and assessment of their educational programming.
What skills or assets would you bring to NMEA?
I have presented at multiple NMEA conferences, covering topics like incorporating skills into the Ocean Literacy Scope & Sequence for grades 9-12, developing curriculum, and working to create new ocean advocates on a global scale.
I have represented the NYSMEA chapter and served the last several years as an NMEA Director. I was a co-chair for the 2021 virtual annual conference and the 2022 hybrid virtual/in-person conference at Hofstra University (Long Island, NY). I have also been an active member of NMEA’s Equity and Belonging Committee since the 2019 discussions that launched it.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I was recognized by NMEA for being a lifeline to keeping the conferences going through virtual activities during the pandemic.
The general membership of the organization is encouraged to submit other nominees for elected positions on the Board. Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, July 3, 2024 and each submission from the membership must include signatures of at least five (5) members of the organization in addition to the signature of the nominee. Submissions should be sent to Laura Diederick at laura.diederick@noaa.gov. The election will open the week of July 8 and voting will be open for 2 weeks. All members in good standing will be sent a ballot via the email address listed in their NMEA member profile.