About

Rick grew up in Philadelphia but moved to the beach at age 10, and fell in love with the ocean and the bays. He spent his adolescent years working at the beach and riding waves in Bethany, and camping on the shores of the inland bays. He also spent time working on the bays clamming commercially, pulling 1000 clams a day. His primary career was in law enforcement, but he never lost his love of the water, and as the area grew and bay water quality got worse, helped form this group to improve all aspects of water quality and environmental issues involving the bays.

Alyssa has 9 years of experience working in shellfish farming, both in commercial and academic settings. Alyssa manages daily operations at the University of Delaware’s pilot shellfish hatchery, which aims to support industry and restoration efforts. She’s also working on research that focuses on how microbes impact oyster production.

Brendan has over 10 years of combined experience working on shellfish farms and researching topics on fisheries and aquaculture. Brendan is currently a researcher at The University of Delaware, working with local communities to understand the biological response to shoreline resiliency projects aimed at protecting vital infrastructure, the effects of water motion on aquaculture production, and technologies to improve the monitoring of oyster reefs.

Anna’s interest in environmental issues stems from her time working at the Center for the Inland Bays, another nonprofit organization in southern Delaware. During her tenure there, she sought to raise awareness of the Inland Bays aquaculture industry and coordinated efforts to address some of the issues the industry faces. Anna now serves as Town Manager for Henlopen Acres and remains passionate about environmental restoration, resiliency, and having a positive impact on the local community. Anna holds a Master of Science in Food Systems and Society from Marylhurst University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Delaware. She is an appointee to the Delaware Nutrient Management Commission and serves as Chair of the Grants Committee for The Next Generation – Southern Delaware.

Ed is a member of the board of directors. He has over 20 years of experience in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture. Presently, Ed works as an Assistant Professor with the University of Delaware where he engages in community extension, teaches two courses a year, and engages in applied aquaculture and fisheries research. He also serves his community as a volunteer member of the Sussex Academy School Board and the Lewes Presbyterian Church Session.

Kim Hoey Stevenson is an award-winning writer and journalist based in Lewes, Delaware. A lifelong Sussex Countian, she has reported on topics ranging from international conflicts to local community events. Preserving our local environment is a lifelong passion. Beyond journalism, Kim served as a public school teacher, mentor coordinator for the Cape Henlopen School District, and vice chair of the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission . She is also active in global advocacy through the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women . Kim lives with her husband, Dave, and enjoys time with their children and grandchildren.

Dennis is currently in his 21st year at Delaware State University (DSU), where he is a Professor and Extension Specialist working in Aquaculture. Dr. McIntosh manages the DSU Aquaculture Research and Demonstration Facility and has extensive experience managing staff, projects, and budgets. His professional qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in Marine Resource Management from the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in 1994, a Master’s degree in Mariculture from Texas A & M University – Corpus Christi in 1999, and a Ph.D. in Soil, Water and Environmental Science from the University of Arizona in 2002. Over the last five years, he has begun working more and more with shellfish in both research and extension capacities in an effort to provide support to the burgeoning shellfish aquaculture industry in DE.