Staff
History
In 1989 Friends of Casco Bay (FOCB) was organized by concerned citizens in response to “Troubled Waters,” an alarming report that claimed that Casco Bay was one of the most polluted estuaries in the nation. The grassroots organization quickly became embroiled in two controversial issues: a proposed new marina in Portland and sewage treatment on Peaks Island. The group soon recognized that it needed someone to work with interested parties to find collaborative solutions. Within two years the organization hired its first staff person, Joe Payne, as Casco BAYKEEPER®, making him the seventh WATERKEEPER® in the WATERKEEPER® movement.
Staff
Cathy L. Ramsdell, Executive Director
A Certified Public Accountant, Cathy has served as Executive Director of the Island Foundation and Chief Financial & Operating Officer of the Island Institute. Before then, she did field research on seabird populations in Alaska, sea turtles...
Joe Payne, Casco BAYKEEPER®
Casco BAYKEEPER®, Joe Payne, was the first full-time employee of Friends of Casco Bay, which was a volunteer, grassroots organization until he was hired to be the professional steward of Casco Bay. Joe left the environmental ...
Mary Cerullo, Associate Director
Our Associate Director, Mary develops our publications and conducts public outreach. She organizes our Casco Bay Forums and has been involved in our efforts to develop state and national legislation to limit cruise ship pollution. Mary ...
Peter Milholland, Citizen Steward Coordinator
As Citizen Stewards Coordinator, Peter has had considerable experience working with volunteers on environmental projects. Before joining FOCB in 1995, he worked as caretaker and stewardship coordinator for 12 years at Maine Audubon’s ...
