Tanner Council Email & Phone Number

My work focuses on creating and fostering partnerships with and among the public and professionals working on water quality issues. I presently manage the Chesapeake Oyster Alliance (COA), a coalition of +110 local, regional and national non-profits, aquaculture operations, academic institutions, businesses and more, all supporting a restored oyster population and robust oyster industry in the Chesapeake Bay. We have a topline goal of 10 Billion new oysters by 2025. There is no average day with COA, but the work I enjoy most is recruiting and meeting new partners, breaking down myths and preconceived notions with the public, creating events and programs that unify a wide range of professionals, and funneling the needs and wants of the coalition at-large into effective advocacy action. You may learn more about this incredible coalition at chesapeakeoysteralliance.org.In my previous role as Hampton Roads Grassroots Manager for Chesapeake Bay Foundation, I garnered advocacy support year-round for local, state and federal legislative and public policy efforts, as well as managing a wide variety of signature CBF programs, including the VoiCeS adult education course, Speaker's Bureau, Clean Water Captain Program, Paddle for the Bay, Decision Makers Trips with elected officials, and Clean the Bay Day, the largest annual volunteer event in Virginia, effectively connecting many thousands of citizens with the CBF mission each year. I graduated from the University of Virginia in 2002. Prior to joining CBF, I worked for the Rivanna Conservation Society in Charlottesville, Virginia, coordinating events such as stream cleanups and buffer plantings, managing volunteer and intern programs, conducting in-school and outdoor classroom education, and assisting with fundraising efforts. When not formulating new ways to invigorate the public on clean water issues, I find time to operate a small merchandising/marketing company, MYFE. Designs.

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  University Of Virginia

  Anthropology/Literature