top of page
WHO
WE ARE
Board of Directors
Mike Lewis, Chair
Mike Lewis and his wife Cassy have lived in Salisbury since moving there in 2000. Their two kids (Simon - 20 - and Kara - 18) have been blessed to grow up in this very special part of the world, where streams and swamps, woodlands and beaches, are never more than a few minutes away. Originally hired as an environmental historian in Salisbury University's History Department, Mike was heavily involved in starting SU's Environmental Studies Program, which he directed and chaired from 2004-2018, and where he continues to serve as a Professor. His research - on the interplay between science, conservation, and cultural ideas about nature - has included work on India, US Wilderness, and the Chesapeake. Over the past 23 years at SU, he has regularly worked with his students in uncovering and sharing the history of the Eastern Shore's forests and farms, and the changing human communities that rely upon them. A Wicomico Creekwatcher since its founding in 2002, he also has spent time as a member of WET, the Pemberton Advisory Board, and on various advisory groups for the City of Salisbury, including the City of Salisbury's Mayor's Environmental Policy Task Force.
Dr. Judith Stribling, Vice Chair
Judith Stribling is a Professor Emerita of Biological Sciences at Salisbury University. Her teaching focused on ecology and wetland science, and she served for many years as coordinator of the collaborative Dual Degree Program in Biology and Environmental-Marine Science with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She was the science coordinator for the Wicomico Creekwatchers Program until 2017. Stribling’s research career has centered on wetlands: their ecology, biogeochemistry, restoration, and management, and she is involved locally with environmental advocacy and collaboration. She was President for 20 years of the Friends of the Nanticoke River and first president of the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, and she currently chairs the Wicomico County Natural Resources Conservation Advisory Committee. Stribling was awarded the 2003 Frances H. Flannigan Environmental Leadership Award by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, and the 2015 John Groutt Award for Environmental Stewardship by the Wicomico Environmental Trust.
Bruce Robson, Treasurer
Bruce Robson was born in White Plains, NY and since an infant grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. After jobs ranging from teacher’s assistant at a Bureau of Indian Affairs school to waterman, from farrier to farmer, Bruce settled in Salisbury.
After a few years he embarked on a career in financial services, eventually earning the Certified Financial Planner© and Accredited Investment Fiduciary© designations. He co-founded Comprehensive Financial Services in 1988. Comprehensive Financial Solutions, Inc. is now a multi service corporation, of which Bruce is a partner.
Bruce has an abiding love of the Chesapeake Bay region. Whether it’s on the water sailing, crabbing and exploring or driving the back roads, he and Susan feel rooted to Delmarva, and are appreciative of the ‘sense of place’ it gives them. Bruce is a member of multiple environmental groups.
Appreciative of his educational opportunities, Bruce deeply believes in education’s power to enrich lives and foster understanding among disparate groups. His 18 year involvement with Horizons Delmarva reflects this appreciation. He served on the first Horizon’s Board as chairman. After two terms, Bruce continued to volunteer, primarily helping with fundraising. In 2020, Bruce rejoined the Board.
After a few years he embarked on a career in financial services, eventually earning the Certified Financial Planner© and Accredited Investment Fiduciary© designations. He co-founded Comprehensive Financial Services in 1988. Comprehensive Financial Solutions, Inc. is now a multi service corporation, of which Bruce is a partner.
Bruce has an abiding love of the Chesapeake Bay region. Whether it’s on the water sailing, crabbing and exploring or driving the back roads, he and Susan feel rooted to Delmarva, and are appreciative of the ‘sense of place’ it gives them. Bruce is a member of multiple environmental groups.
Appreciative of his educational opportunities, Bruce deeply believes in education’s power to enrich lives and foster understanding among disparate groups. His 18 year involvement with Horizons Delmarva reflects this appreciation. He served on the first Horizon’s Board as chairman. After two terms, Bruce continued to volunteer, primarily helping with fundraising. In 2020, Bruce rejoined the Board.
Byron Beauchamp
Byron resides in Somerset County, MD right outside of Pocomoke with his wife and daughter. He is a 5th generation farmer who works in the industry with grain, poultry houses and hay. Farming has always been a part of his life and has the passion to carry on the love of the land to each passing generation to come.
Anthony DiPaolo
Tony is a licensed professional forester in Maryland. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 1982 with a BS in forestry. He began his forestry career in 1986 as an Assistant Project Forester in Allegany County with the Md. DNR Forest, Park and Wildlife Service. In 1987 Tony transferred to the Eastern Shore and worked as the Worcester Project Forester. He then entered the private sector in 1996 as a procurement forester for the Cropper Brothers Lumber Co. in Willards, Maryland. He left Cropper Brothers in 2013 to take a position as an Area Forester with Glatfelter working out of the Delmar Chip Facility. Tony is a member of the Worcester County Forestry Board and a District Supervisor with the Worcester Soil Conservation District. He is also a member and past chair of the MD/DE Division of the Society of American Foresters and a past vice president for the Maryland Forest Association. Tony lives in Snow Hill, Maryland with his wife, Lisa.
Glenn Irwin
Glenn Irwin recently retired after almost 23 years as Executive Director of the Ocean City Development Corporation, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization charged with revitalizing downtown Ocean City. Among the OCDC projects he managed were: building renovation, business assistance programs, public art program, employee housing management, land acquisition, marketing, design standards, and special events. Prior to OCDC, he worked for 16 years in the private and public sectors in South Florida specializing in downtown redevelopment, affordable housing, and urban planning.
He holds a designation from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). He served on the Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals for six years. In Florida he served on the Planning & Zoning Commission for the Village of Royal Palm Beach in which he also served as Chair for two years. He has served on a number of boards and continues to be active with several local and State nonprofit organizations.
Glenn holds a B.A. in Economics and History from Rowan University (NJ) and a M.A. in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University. He is the 2023 recipient of Business Person of the Year from the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce.
Glenn was born and raised on Long Island, New York. He has always had a great interest in environmental and recreational activities; kayaking, canoeing, biking, camping, and hiking.
Glenn lives in Ocean City with his wife, Pam. This 2023 summer he will be working with Ayers Creek Adventures in Berlin.
He holds a designation from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). He served on the Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals for six years. In Florida he served on the Planning & Zoning Commission for the Village of Royal Palm Beach in which he also served as Chair for two years. He has served on a number of boards and continues to be active with several local and State nonprofit organizations.
Glenn holds a B.A. in Economics and History from Rowan University (NJ) and a M.A. in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University. He is the 2023 recipient of Business Person of the Year from the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce.
Glenn was born and raised on Long Island, New York. He has always had a great interest in environmental and recreational activities; kayaking, canoeing, biking, camping, and hiking.
Glenn lives in Ocean City with his wife, Pam. This 2023 summer he will be working with Ayers Creek Adventures in Berlin.
Steve Marsh
Steve Marsh joined the engineering firm of George, Miles & Buhr in August of 1994 and
became East Region Director of Operations in 2021. He has served as a Project Engineer, Project Manager, and Project Director on a variety of projects including
studies, design, and contract administration. Engineering projects include storm sewer
and stormwater management studies and design, sanitary sewer systems, and
wastewater treatment.
Steve has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Civil
Engineering from the University of Virginia, with a concentration in hydrology and stormwater management. He also completed postgraduate coursework at Virginia Tech in the analysis of water resource systems and Old Dominion Univerity in Coastal
Engineering.
Steve holds professional registrations in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. In 2008 he
acquired his LEED® AP certification. In 2012 he became a Certified Professional in
Storm Water Quality (CPSWQ). He is a frequent guest lecturer at Salisbury University
and Morgan State University.
Steve recently completed a term as the Board President for the Nanticoke Watershed
Alliance.
became East Region Director of Operations in 2021. He has served as a Project Engineer, Project Manager, and Project Director on a variety of projects including
studies, design, and contract administration. Engineering projects include storm sewer
and stormwater management studies and design, sanitary sewer systems, and
wastewater treatment.
Steve has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Civil
Engineering from the University of Virginia, with a concentration in hydrology and stormwater management. He also completed postgraduate coursework at Virginia Tech in the analysis of water resource systems and Old Dominion Univerity in Coastal
Engineering.
Steve holds professional registrations in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. In 2008 he
acquired his LEED® AP certification. In 2012 he became a Certified Professional in
Storm Water Quality (CPSWQ). He is a frequent guest lecturer at Salisbury University
and Morgan State University.
Steve recently completed a term as the Board President for the Nanticoke Watershed
Alliance.
Colin McAllister
A Lower Shore native, Colin McAllister grew up in Wicomico County and at early age developed a deep love and appreciation for our local lands and waters. He enjoyed many afternoons combing fields in search of native artifacts with his grandfather, Vaughn Richardson. Pop-Pop, as he was known to Colin, would train horses while he searched the tilled fields along the Pocomoke River. He spent summer weekends in a four room, concrete cottage on Tangier Sound where he fished crabbed and searched for pirate treasures (never found).
He is currently an Environmental Compliance Specialist for MDE – Resource Management Program where he assists Eastern Shore farmers and landowners with environmental guidance, best management practices, and regulatory issues. He has teamed with DNR on public land management, agricultural issues and BMP planning and has a broad background of cooperation and communication with many local, state and federal agencies including MDA, DNR, USDA - NRCS, EPA, USACE, county gov’t agencies, PDAs and the SCDs. He has guided and presented at many workshops to educate and inform on regulatory issues, cost-share offerings and best management practices.
Colin resides in Snow Hill, with his wife Stephanie and their three children, Eliza, Oliver & Everett. He loves spending family time exploring local trails, kayaking, paddle boarding, birding & fishing the Pocomoke River or surfing and exploring Assateague.
He is currently an Environmental Compliance Specialist for MDE – Resource Management Program where he assists Eastern Shore farmers and landowners with environmental guidance, best management practices, and regulatory issues. He has teamed with DNR on public land management, agricultural issues and BMP planning and has a broad background of cooperation and communication with many local, state and federal agencies including MDA, DNR, USDA - NRCS, EPA, USACE, county gov’t agencies, PDAs and the SCDs. He has guided and presented at many workshops to educate and inform on regulatory issues, cost-share offerings and best management practices.
Colin resides in Snow Hill, with his wife Stephanie and their three children, Eliza, Oliver & Everett. He loves spending family time exploring local trails, kayaking, paddle boarding, birding & fishing the Pocomoke River or surfing and exploring Assateague.
Merry Mears
Meredith Mears serves as the Mid-Atlantic Representative of the SVN National Self-Storage team and is a Senior Advisor for SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate. Focusing on the sale and leasing of industrial and office assets and specializing in the purchase and sale of self-storage facilities, Mears has worked with a client base that includes local and statewide governments, commercial property owners and investors, and privately operating companies across the globe. Mears has successfully closed highly structured, multi-million dollar acquisitions and dispositions, and has a strong track record of brokering complex sales and leasing deals for office and industrial clients. Her robust background has given her the privilege of working with both national and international clients, including Frito-Lay, Hardwire LLC and various REITs.
Mears is a member of the National Self Storage Association and the Maryland Chapter of the Self-Storage Association. She has deep experience working in tandem with the Maryland Department of Commerce, the Maryland Economic Development Corporation and a multitude of county and local governments.
Solidifying her position as a heavily experienced, trusted and reputable resource, Mears remains very active in her community. She has served in a multitude of community leadership roles such as Regent for the University System of Maryland, Board Member of Leadership Maryland, Board Member of the Maryland Economic Development Association and Board Member of Maryland Capital Enterprises, among others.
In 2020, she was named a Top 100 Woman in the state of Maryland by The Daily Record for her vast contributions in business, community and mentoring. Mears is a graduate of Salisbury University and lives in Salisbury, Maryland with her family.
Meredith Mears serves as the Mid-Atlantic Representative of the SVN National Self-Storage team and is a Senior Advisor for SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate. Focusing on the sale and leasing of industrial and office assets and specializing in the purchase and sale of self–storage facilities, Mears has worked with a client base that includes local and statewide governments, commercial property owners and investors, and privately operating companies across the globe. Mears has successfully closed highly structured, multi-million dollar acquisitions and dispositions, and has a strong track record of brokering complex sales and leasing deals for office and industrial clients. Her robust background has given her the privilege of working with both national and international clients, including Frito-Lay, Hardwire LLC, and various REITs. Mears is a member of the National Self Storage Association and the Maryland Chapter of the Self-Storage Association. She has deep experience working in tandem with the Maryland Department of Commerce, the Maryland Economic Development Corporation, and a multitude of county and local governments. Solidifying her position as a heavily experienced, trusted, and reputable resource, Mears remains very active in her community. She has served in a multitude of community leadership roles such as Regent for the University System of Maryland, Board Member of Leadership Maryland, Board Member of the Maryland Economic Development Association, and Board Member of Maryland Capital Enterprise, among others. In 2020, she was named a Top 100 Woman in the state of Maryland by The Daily Record for her vast contributions in business, community, and mentoring. Mears is a graduate of Salisbury University and lives in Salisbury, Maryland with her family.
Mears is a member of the National Self Storage Association and the Maryland Chapter of the Self-Storage Association. She has deep experience working in tandem with the Maryland Department of Commerce, the Maryland Economic Development Corporation and a multitude of county and local governments.
Solidifying her position as a heavily experienced, trusted and reputable resource, Mears remains very active in her community. She has served in a multitude of community leadership roles such as Regent for the University System of Maryland, Board Member of Leadership Maryland, Board Member of the Maryland Economic Development Association and Board Member of Maryland Capital Enterprises, among others.
In 2020, she was named a Top 100 Woman in the state of Maryland by The Daily Record for her vast contributions in business, community and mentoring. Mears is a graduate of Salisbury University and lives in Salisbury, Maryland with her family.
Meredith Mears serves as the Mid-Atlantic Representative of the SVN National Self-Storage team and is a Senior Advisor for SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate. Focusing on the sale and leasing of industrial and office assets and specializing in the purchase and sale of self–storage facilities, Mears has worked with a client base that includes local and statewide governments, commercial property owners and investors, and privately operating companies across the globe. Mears has successfully closed highly structured, multi-million dollar acquisitions and dispositions, and has a strong track record of brokering complex sales and leasing deals for office and industrial clients. Her robust background has given her the privilege of working with both national and international clients, including Frito-Lay, Hardwire LLC, and various REITs. Mears is a member of the National Self Storage Association and the Maryland Chapter of the Self-Storage Association. She has deep experience working in tandem with the Maryland Department of Commerce, the Maryland Economic Development Corporation, and a multitude of county and local governments. Solidifying her position as a heavily experienced, trusted, and reputable resource, Mears remains very active in her community. She has served in a multitude of community leadership roles such as Regent for the University System of Maryland, Board Member of Leadership Maryland, Board Member of the Maryland Economic Development Association, and Board Member of Maryland Capital Enterprise, among others. In 2020, she was named a Top 100 Woman in the state of Maryland by The Daily Record for her vast contributions in business, community, and mentoring. Mears is a graduate of Salisbury University and lives in Salisbury, Maryland with her family.
Rick Pollitt, Jr.
Richard Malone Pollitt, Jr. (Rick) was born in Salisbury, Maryland and lived his entire life (so far) in Allen, Maryland. He’s the son of late Judge Richard M. Pollitt and Margaret Custis Harrington Pollitt; married to Tracy Catlin Pollitt, father of Ricky and Rachel Pollitt. Rick is the fourth generation of the family to hold public office. He is committed to public service after watching President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inaugural address which encouraged people to work for and give to their community. He has a lifelong goal of working within government to improve the lives of people by involving them in the process of self-government and reminds people that while citizenship enjoys certain rights, there are also certain obligations attached. Rick emphasizes inclusion and a seat for everyone at the table. He is skilled at communication and inspiring people to reach their inner strengths and stay focused on the positive. Building consensus and seeing the “big picture” helps keep things in perspective. Vast network of contacts brings multiple resources to problem-solving.
He has a BA from Washington College, Chestertown Maryland, Class of 1974, is a graduate of Academy for Excellence in Local Government by Maryland Municipal League, present and past community member in leadership in multiple organizations, including Allen Asbury United Methodist Church, Allen Lions Club, Allen Vol. Fire Company, Fairmount Academy, M.A.C., 1974-1978 Assistant to State Senator E. Homer White, Jr., 1976-1984 Executive Director Somerset County Department of Planning & Zoning, 1984-2006 Fruitland City Manager, 2006-2014 Wicomico County Executive (The first), 2015-2020 Crisfield City Manager, 2021-present Snow Hill Town Manager.
He has a BA from Washington College, Chestertown Maryland, Class of 1974, is a graduate of Academy for Excellence in Local Government by Maryland Municipal League, present and past community member in leadership in multiple organizations, including Allen Asbury United Methodist Church, Allen Lions Club, Allen Vol. Fire Company, Fairmount Academy, M.A.C., 1974-1978 Assistant to State Senator E. Homer White, Jr., 1976-1984 Executive Director Somerset County Department of Planning & Zoning, 1984-2006 Fruitland City Manager, 2006-2014 Wicomico County Executive (The first), 2015-2020 Crisfield City Manager, 2021-present Snow Hill Town Manager.
Dave Saveikis
Dave Saveikis of Seaford, DE retired from the State of Delaware where he served the public and natural resource conservation and management with the Division of Fish & Wildlife and Division of Water Resources over a 39-year career. Dave retired as Director of the Delaware
Division of Fish & Wildlife after a 12-year tenure, previously holding various positions with these state agencies in program administration and natural resource conservation, having also worked as a research biologist with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and as manager of the Land Management division of the Delaware-based private environmental consulting company
JCM Environmental. His public agency program administration experience in addition to serving as Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife director includes positions overseeing wetland regulation, aquatic resource assessment, public relations and regional mosquito control operations. Dave held agency biologist positions earlier in his career specializing in wetland research, management and regulation. He holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from and completed extensive graduate-level biology courses at Salisbury University. Dave has a passion for and recognizes the importance of land preservation, conservation, restoration and management and associated biodiversity, having overseen as Director of the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife the agency’s statewide land acquisition program holding over 60,000 acres of lands and waters; he was also a founding member and past president and board member of the Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy, a local land trust based in Seaford, Delaware. Dave enjoys fishing tidal freshwater rivers, particularly thePocomoke River, and light-tackle saltwater fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, as well as birding and nature study. Dave and wife Nancy enjoy traveling, along with wandering and exploring the Delmarva Peninsula by land and water.
Division of Fish & Wildlife after a 12-year tenure, previously holding various positions with these state agencies in program administration and natural resource conservation, having also worked as a research biologist with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and as manager of the Land Management division of the Delaware-based private environmental consulting company
JCM Environmental. His public agency program administration experience in addition to serving as Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife director includes positions overseeing wetland regulation, aquatic resource assessment, public relations and regional mosquito control operations. Dave held agency biologist positions earlier in his career specializing in wetland research, management and regulation. He holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from and completed extensive graduate-level biology courses at Salisbury University. Dave has a passion for and recognizes the importance of land preservation, conservation, restoration and management and associated biodiversity, having overseen as Director of the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife the agency’s statewide land acquisition program holding over 60,000 acres of lands and waters; he was also a founding member and past president and board member of the Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy, a local land trust based in Seaford, Delaware. Dave enjoys fishing tidal freshwater rivers, particularly thePocomoke River, and light-tackle saltwater fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, as well as birding and nature study. Dave and wife Nancy enjoy traveling, along with wandering and exploring the Delmarva Peninsula by land and water.
Elise Trelegan
Elise Trelegan manages NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office's B-WET program, a $2.7 million dollar grant program that supports systemic and equitable environmental education in the Mid-Atlantic region. She also is the coordinator of the Chesapeake Bay Program's Education Workgroup where she focuses on regional collaboration and multi-state policy efforts. Prior to her work at NOAA, Elise climbed the ranks at a mid-sized non-profit on the Eastern Shore of Virginia working in roles including marketing and development coordinator, education director, and finally as interim executive director. In 2020 she completed her Master's at Virginia Tech's Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability and worked as National Wildlife Federation's Equity & Justice Fellow through her capstone.
In her community, Elise co-founded and directs the Youth Environmental Action Summit (YEAS) which supports young people taking action on local environmental issues. She was awarded an ee360 Fellowship through the North American Association for Environmental Education for her work with YEAS and selected as "30 Under 30" in the field of environmental education for her community-based work. Elise served as the Chair of the City of Salisbury's Sustainability Advisory Committee for five years and during that time guided the development and implementation of Salisbury's comprehensive ban on single use plastic bags, among other initiatives. Being particularly passionate about supporting young women in building their leadership capacity, Elise served on the Board of Ambassadors for One Year to Empowerment and intermittently coaches girls volleyball clinics.
In her community, Elise co-founded and directs the Youth Environmental Action Summit (YEAS) which supports young people taking action on local environmental issues. She was awarded an ee360 Fellowship through the North American Association for Environmental Education for her work with YEAS and selected as "30 Under 30" in the field of environmental education for her community-based work. Elise served as the Chair of the City of Salisbury's Sustainability Advisory Committee for five years and during that time guided the development and implementation of Salisbury's comprehensive ban on single use plastic bags, among other initiatives. Being particularly passionate about supporting young women in building their leadership capacity, Elise served on the Board of Ambassadors for One Year to Empowerment and intermittently coaches girls volleyball clinics.
bottom of page