Fair seas to outgoing leaders
The end of the year often brings changes in leadership, and 2021 is no different.
Perhaps the highest profile changing-ofthe-guard takes place at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, where Will Baker is retiring after more than 40 years as president of the largest environmental non-profit protecting this wonderful natural resource.
In November, Hilary Falk was tapped by CBF Board of Trustees to lead the organization and her tenure begins in January, 2022.
Two leaders in the conservation and boating world who may not have the same name recognition, but have been no less dedicated in their efforts to make our state a better place to live and work, are also leaving. Susan Zellers is stepping down as executive director of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, while Rob Etgen is departing after serving as founding director and president of the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy.
Boaters, anglers, and hunters owe them a heartfelt “thank you.”
Under Zeller’s capable leadership, the MTAM members were always well represented at Maryland’s General Assembly and with state regulatory agencies. She was passionate to increase boating and tourism in Maryland, and diligent in efforts to build a sustainable workforce for the marine trades.
Zellers also established a “Young Marine Professionals” group to promote a culture within the recreational boating industry for new workers. Recently, she was appointed to the Tidal and Coastal Recreational Fisheries Committee, and also serves on the Annapolis City Dock Action Committee, Small Business Recovery Task Force for Covid, and the Maritime Task Force for the City.
At MTAM’s annual Board of Directors meeting early this month, Zellers was honored with the state’s “Chesapeake Bay Ambassador” award, a prestigious lifetime achievement recognition honoring an individual’s extraordinary commitment to the Chesapeake Bay’s vitality. Department of Natural Resources secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio made the presentation on behalf of Gov. Larry Hogan.
In remarks to the group she led for 20 years, it was clear Zellers was as proud of the time she spent with MTAM as the members were of her accomplishments and dedication. In a statement, the organization said Zellers particularly enjoyed “working toward common goals, breaking new ground, and shining a spotlight on the incredible marine industry in Maryland.
“She genuinely believes that her time with MTAM has enabled the organization to fully realize its mission to grow Maryland’s recreational boating industry through advocacy, workforce development program and the promotion of MTAM members. Susan hopes that she has made a positive difference in the recreational boating industry in Maryland.”
Lia Jaros will take the helm of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, having risen through the ranks over the years.
I know Etgen, but not very well. However, having lived on Maryland’s Eastern Shore for nearly 20 years, I can personally attest to the fact he’s dedicated his professional life to protecting important stretches of Eastern Shore land from many a Gradall’s bucket. That he is a fly fisherman only adds to his three-decades legacy of land conservation and clean water on the shore.
Etgen’s leadership helped ensure that the ESLC invested its time and resources in revitalizing Eastern Shore communities, including the Phillips Packing Company building in Cambridge that supports the region’s agriculture, aquaculture, environmental technologies, and tourism industries.
An extremely cool and ambitious project the ESLC has embraced is the Delmarva Oasis, a partnership of conservation-based organizations on the peninsula as well as Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia state governments, the private sector, and forward-thinking landowners.
The goal is to protect the largest contiguous block of productive farmland in the mid-Atlantic region, estimated to have nearly $15 billion in ecological benefits that support important regional industries that rely on fisheries and tourism while sustaining the region’s treasured culture and heritage.
In a statement, Etgen offered this reflection on his time with ESLC: “My family and I feel honored to have led this great organization for 31 years. We are pleased to have contributed to the preservation of the precious quality of life on the Eastern Shore. We feel thankful to staff, donors, and board members for their incredible support.”
Etgen leaves ESLC in excellent position to handle the many opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. In late October, the organization’s board picked Steve Kline of Centreville to lead ESLC into the future. I know Kline from my work in fishery conservation, and his bona fides to preserve natural resources are impeccable.
Fairs seas to Susan and Rob on the next chapter in their lives, and best of luck to Lia and Steve.
Calendar
Through Feb. 28, 2022: CCA Maryland Pickerel Championship. Compete for some great prizes.
Dec. 15 to Jan. 31, 2022: Regular Duck Season. Western and Eastern Zone in effect. Bag limit is six ducks per day. Check DNR website for more specifics.
Dec. 17 to Jan. 1, 2022: First split, migratory Canada Goose Season. Daily bag limit is one goose (in the Atlantic Population Hunt Zone) and the possession limit is three birds. Bag limit may include Canada geese, cackling geese and white-fronted geese. Shooting hours one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.