Becky Cushing Mass Audubon Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries, Director 472 West Mountain Rd. • Lenox, MA 01240 • phone (413) 358-5284 [email protected]
EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT (August 2011-May 2013) Burlington, Vt. M.S. Field Naturalist Program/Plant Biology MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE (February 2003- February 2007) Middlebury, Vt. B.A. Environmental Studies/Conservation Biology SEA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (Spring 2005) Woods Hole, Mass. NATIONAL OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP SCHOOL (Winter 2002-2003) Baja California Sur, Mexico
RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
MASS AUDUBON BERKSHIRE WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES Berkshire County, Ma. Director (May 2014-present) Oversee all aspects of Mass Audubon’s six wildlife sanctuaries in Berkshire County (Lenox, Richmond, Pittsfield, Sandisfield, Otis and Sheffield) which receive 25,000 visitors annually Engage key stakeholders to develop Mass Audubon’s 10 year Strategic Plan in Berkshire County Advocate for sound conservation practices and serve in an advisory capacity on local conservation and education projects Direct all aspects of Mass Audubon’s Berkshire Environmental Literacy Program, a science and nature program in 20 Berkshire County schools Represent Mass Audubon in a number of regional projects/partnerships, including Berkshire Taconic RCP, Berkshire Wildlife Linkages (Stay Connected), Yokun Ridge Trail/High Road project and EPA Housatonic River Citizens Coordinating Council Work alongside BSO/Tanglewood colleagues to develop “Tanglewood Takes Flight,” a free series of birding and music Direct “Wild Thing” 5k/10k Trail Run Fundraiser through Kennedy Park, Lenox Founded Berkshire Naturalist Club to facilitate exchange of natural history information among professional and naturalists Developed “Nature and Mindfulness” and Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership curriculum working in partnership with the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, VERMONT CHAPTER Montpelier, Vt. Field Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator (September 2013-May 2014) Developed land management plans for TNC-owned conserved lands, conducted legal monitoring, marked property boundaries, and maintained stewardship records (e.g., site inspections, trail work, and invasive plant management) Recruited, trained, and supervised interns and volunteers on a variety of stewardship projects, including Act 250 permits, technical reports, development of interpretive materials, and field work days
ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANT (September 2011-May 2013) Burlington, Vt. Conducted natural resource inventories, developed management plans, and created outreach materials Sample of completed projects: “From Mount Mansfield to Molly Bog: A new management approach for UVM’s Natural Areas” Prepared for the Rubenstein School of the Environment and Natural Resources Fitzgerald Farm Wildlife Assessment (collaborative project) Prepared for the Vermont Land Trust “The impact of hiking, jogging, dog-walking and biking on mammals in Vermont’s natural areas” Prepared for the Rubenstein School of the Environment and Natural Resources
UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT Burlington, Vt. Natural Areas Assistant Manager (May 2013-September 2013) Supervised interns, conducted field work, communicated with the public, researched historical records (e.g., deeds and tax maps), and developed a database of UVM Natural Areas reports, files, photos
MASS AUDUBON Wareham, Mass.
On-the-ground project manager (December 2009-July 2011) Developed infrastructure, permitting, and visitor services in preparation for opening new Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary Directed groups including members of AmeriCorps NCCC, Student Conservation Association, and Wareham Land Trust to construct trails and install signage
MASS AUDUBON ALLENS POND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Westport/Dartmouth, Mass. Volunteer Coordinator (November 2007-July 2011) Recruited, trained, and managed volunteer groups and 500+ individual sanctuary volunteers to work on ecological, educational, and outreach projects Facilitated environmental education and stewardship opportunities for students through school visits and sanctuary field trips Organized annual Duck Derby fundraiser event which brought in a record $36,000 in profits in 2010, engaged 75+ volunteers, and attracted more than 400 sanctuary visitors Publicized programs and fundraisers through print, news, and online media Collaborated with community partners to offer environmental education and community outreach opportunities
Osprey Project Manager (November 2007-July 2011) Monitored and maintained 98 osprey nesting platforms in Westport/Dartmouth area Coordinated the Osprey Platform Stewardship and Monitoring Project, including fundraising and website maintenance Conducted and assisted research projects, including tracking adults and juveniles using satellite transmitter technology, USFWS banding and color banding, and blood sampling
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
BERKSHIRE EAGLE ADVISORY BOARD (2018) Pittsfield, Mass. LAUREL HILL ASSOCIATION (2018) Stockbridge, Mass. HOFFMANN BIRD CLUB (2014-present) Berkshire County, Mass. PLAINFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION (2013-2014) Plainfield, Vermont VERMONT CENTER FOR ECOSTUDIES (2013-present) Vermont/New Hampshire Conducted grassland bird surveys and Mountain Birdwatch (high elevation) bird surveys as a volunteer PASKAMANSETT BIRD CLUB Dartmouth, Mass. President (2010-2011), Vice President (2009), member (2007-2008) MASS AUDUBON ALLENS POND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Westport/Dartmouth, Mass. Steward/Beach Ranger (August 2007-September 2007); Shorebird Monitor (April 2007-August 2007) MASS AUDUBON WELLFLEET BAY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY South Wellfleet, Mass. Day Camp/Public Programs Staff (June-September 2004; June-September 2005) MASS AUDUBON COASTAL WATERBIRD PROGRAM Cape Cod, Mass. Shorebird Monitor (May-August 2003)
AWARDS, CERTIFICATIONS, PUBLICATIONS, COURSES, AND SKILLS
ROBERT & PATRICIA SWITZER FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP (June 2012-June 2013) VERMONT BOTANICAL AND BIRD CLUB SCHOLARSHIP (June 2013)
CERTIFICATIONS: Wetland identification and delineation: The Federal (Reg IV) Course (2012); Game of Logging Level 1, chainsaw course (2013); Wilderness First Aid; CPR
PUBLICATION: Cushing, Rebecca and Brian Washburn. 2014. The role of Ospreys in Education. Journal of Raptor Research.
RELEVANT COURSES/TRAININGS: Fundamentals of Field Science; Soil Morphology Classification and Land Use; Field Botany for Natural Resource Professionals; Applied Environmental Statistics; Professional Writing; Reading the Landscape; Wildlife Management; Silviculture; Natural Resource Inventory and Analysis; Tropical Botany (Costa Rica travel course); Vertebrate Natural History; Chemistry in the Environment; Aquatic Ecology; Wetland Ecology; GIS; Local Green Politics
SKILLS: Computer software including MS Office, ArcGIS, and NED; raptor handling; wildlife tracking; plant identification; experience handling small motorboats and kayaks; backcountry camping and long distance hiking;
Stephanie Bergman (860) 508-9570 * [email protected]
Results-driven nonprofit administrator with a proven track record of improving and growing fundraising capacity. Skilled at building relationships with stakeholders through effective verbal and written story telling. Creative problem solver, who develops and implements innovative fundraising strategies.
Professional Experience
MASS AUDUBON BERKSHIRE WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES, Lenox, MA Development Manager April, 2018 - Present Help acquire sponsor support for Wild Thing 5k/10k Trail Race, our biggest fundraiser of the year Identify major donors and create cultivation strategy based on giving and personal history Meet with existing major donors to discuss organization and needs Create “the story” of the Berkshire Sanctuaries to carry through appeals, marketing and sponsorship opportunities Plan and implement donor recognition and cultivation events Plan 90th Anniversary year celebration with special sponsorship opportunities Creative event planning to bring in new audiences to Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries
BLUE RIDER STABLES, Egremont, MA Interim Executive Director July, 2017 - January, 2018 Worked with Board of Directors on transition from founder led to director led organization Identified major donors and created cultivation strategy based on giving and personal history Met with major donors to discuss organization transition and support needs Wrote 2017 annual appeal letter, raised $85,000 Identified key areas of organization that need immediate attention to move toward sustainability Collaborated with Board Treasurer to develop responsible and realistic budget
Operations Manager November, 2014 - July, 2017 Hired as first administrative employee to create organizational structure for 23 year old nonprofit Planned and implemented 25th Anniversary Gala, the first gala in organization's history, raising $45,000 Acquired over 200 new donors totaling over $85,000 in donations Wrote three annual appeal and membership letters, raising over $200,000 Planned and implemented all aspects of fundraising/friendraising events, raising over $80,000 Created major donor packet Wrote and reported on grants, raising $100,000 Redesigned website to include online web forms and payment/donation processing Liaised with constituent groups including board members, volunteers, donors, funders and clients
FLYING CLOUD INSTITUTE, New Marlborough, MA November, 2009-November, 2014 Coordinator, Berkshire Environmental Educators Network (BEEN) Wrote and reported on grants supporting BEEN and Flying Cloud’s Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) programs Planned and implemented all aspects of annual Educators Conference and Youth Environmental Summit; increased Educators conference participation by 130% and Youth Environmental Summit participation by 24% Developed and managed BEEN Budget HOUSATONIC RIVER MUSEUM. Pittsfield, MA December, 2007 – April, 2009 Director of Education, Recruited as first employee to create connections to the community and build an audience through educational outreach. Built relationships with 7 community/non-profit organizations, 5 public schools and 1 private school leading to over 3,100 participant hours of programming Create organizational policies and structure Represented Museum at Berkshire County Museum Educators Roundtable Secured 100% of grant funding for school garden project and new summer program
CLEARPOOL EDUCATION CENTER, Carmel, NY September, 2005 – June, 2007 Director of Education Cultivated and managed relationships with New York City Department of Education and over 100 visiting schools and organizations Researched, wrote and reported on grant deliverables for programmatic and educational materials grants; granted $15,000 EPA grant for new partner program Improved quality of programming and strengthened marketing strategy for fee-based school programs. Increased client base by 18%; retained 85% of existing clients Managed $150,000 education department budget Created assessment tools to evaluate programs and staff Managed master calendar and daily schedules of groups on site
SOLAR YOUTH, INC., New Haven, CT April, 2002 – June, 2005 Program Director Hired by founder/director as the first staff member for 1 ½ year old organization to develop, grow and sustain programs Cultivated and managed relationships with New Haven Department of Education and 12 partner schools and organizations Researched and wrote grant proposals for in-school environmental education program; granted two $15,000 EPA environmental education grants Increased number of in-school and after-school program sites by 200% and number of participants served by 300% Represent Solar Youth at monthly Citywide Youth Coalition meetings Generated program outcome report for in-school, after-school and summer programs
Relevant Credentials: 15 hour Fund Development training from Greater New Haven Community Foundation 16 hour Project Design and Evaluation Course from NOAA 15 hour Supervising and Managing in Youth-Serving Organizations Course from YDTRC
Education Master of Science in Environmental Education Audubon Expedition Institute/Lesley University, Belfast, ME/Cambridge, MA Bachelor of Science in Biology University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Stephen M. Hutchinson 59 Old County Road, Lancaster, MA 01523 Phone #: 617-922-2342 e-mail: [email protected]
Work Experience: Regional Director - Central and Western Wildlife Sanctuaries, September 2016 - current Mass Audubon, Lincoln, MA Oversee 20,000 acres of land and a five million dollar annual budget for Mass Audubon’s wildlife sanctuaries in central and western Massachusetts. Work with Sanctuary Directors and other Mass Audubon staff to support environmental programing, advocacy, facility and ecological management, and other activities in the region.
Park & Recreation Manager - Environmental Education, November 2014 – August 2016 Administrative Office, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, Charlotte, NC Oversee all environmental education, interpretive, and outdoor recreational programming for the 20,500 acres of parkland within MCPR. Responsible for supervising three Nature Center Managers and Master Naturalist Coordinator. Serve as Chairperson for the Charlotte Regional Environmental Network, a collective of nonprofit and government environmental organizations. Work collaboratively with staff within MCPR and with outside organizations. Oversee budget and operating policy for all MCPR nature centers. Raise funds for at-risk and urban youth environmental education programming though grant opportunities.
Nature Center Manager, March 2008 - November 2014 Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, Huntersville, NC Managed nature center that serves as the interpretive and informational center for the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. Responsible for supervising staff and volunteers. Oversaw nature center budget. Oversaw all aspects of education including exhibits, environmental education, interpretive and recreational programs, special events, informational signage, native wildlife garden, live animal exhibits, natural play area, interpretive trails, advertising, and newsletters. Worked collaboratively with staff within MCPR and with outside organizations.
Education Coordinator, May 2004 - March 2008 Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Mass Audubon, Milton, MA Managed education department of a natural history museum that serves as the interpretive center for the Blue Hills Reservation. Responsible for developing local natural history programs which incorporated Massachusetts frameworks and learning standards to fit the needs of local schools and educators. Worked with local teachers to write grants to fund environmental education programs for Milton Public Schools. Oversaw marketing, special events, on-site and off-site programs, and vacation camp programs. Supervised departmental staff and volunteers.
Summer Camp Director, Summers of 2004 - 2007 Chickatawbut Hill Education Center, Mass Audubon, Milton, MA Supervised camp counselors, counselors-in-training and camp attendees at Summer Nature Explorations at Chickatawbut Hill Education Center. Developed curriculum and structure for camp programs for campers ranging from 4.5 to 14 years old on a weekly and daily basis. Maintained health and safety standards in accordance with ACA accreditation.
Stephen M. Hutchinson 59 Old County Road, Lancaster, MA 01523 Phone #: 617-922-2342 e-mail: [email protected]
Teacher Naturalist, June 2003 - May 2004 Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Mass Audubon, Milton, MA Presented natural history programs to all audiences on a variety of natural history topics, often utilizing captive animals as teaching tools. Developed new program curricula for multiple programs and special events. Oversaw all program and special event volunteers. Designed and constructed interactive, interpretive natural history exhibits and displays.
Substitute Teacher, September 2002 - June 2003 Baltimore County Public School System, Baltimore, MD Served as substitute teacher for eighth through twelfth grades, primarily in biology and earth sciences classes.
Ecology Instructor, Summer 2002 Habitat Sanctuary, Mass Audubon, Belmont, MA Served as co-instructor of ecology for summer camp groups of eleven to fourteen year-olds. Taught a variety of different natural history and ecology lessons, ranging from pond ecology to songbird population demographics.
Wildlife Interpretation Intern, February 2002 - May 2002 Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center, GA DNR - Wildlife Resources Division, Mansfield, GA Provided husbandry to all resident raptors and reptiles. Animal care duties included cleaning, feeding, training and enrichment. Presented on-site programs on a very wide range of subjects, from recreational fishing etiquette to the benefits of controlled burning. Presented live-animal outreach programs to inner-city schools in Atlanta, on many topics including vertebrate classification, herpetology, birds of prey, ecosystems and endangered species.
Education: State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse, New York Bachelor of Science, Environmental and Forest Biology Focus Areas: Ecology and Education
Frostburg University Frostburg, Maryland Master of Science, Recreation and Parks Management
Special Qualifications: NRPA Certified Park and Recreation Professional NRPA Green School Graduate Central Carolinas Master Naturalist MCPR Leadership Academy Graduate
STUART WEINREB 37 Central Street Acton, MA 01720
Massachusetts Landscape Architect, Registration No. 772
Professional Experience
2003 – Present Massachusetts Audubon Society Lincoln, Massachusetts Director of Capital Assets & Planning. Responsible for planning, design and construction of major facility projects, including consultant selection and coordination, program analysis, and development of budgets and schedules. Policy development includes system-wide approaches to sustainability, green building, and energy conservation. Oversight of a variety of funds and budgets for buildings and grounds improvements, sewage disposal, hazardous waste, dam management, and facility database development.
2002-2003 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management Division of Resource Conservation Boston, Massachusetts Project Team Leader for major capital improvement projects. Responsible for: facility planning and design process. Responsible for incorporating sustainable design approach into agency projects. Agency liaison to Commonwealth’s Sustainable Design Task Force.
2001-2002 Sasaki Associates Watertown, Massachusetts Senior Project Manager, Planning Division. Responsible for coordination of planning and design teams for international projects; project schedules and budgets, client liaison, project reports. See attached Project List.
1984 – 2001 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management Division of Resource Conservation Boston, Massachusetts Acting Director of the division’s Bureau of Project Management from mid-1998 through early 2001. Responsible for the supervision of 6 project managers charged with the planning, design, permitting, and coordination of DEM’s largest and most complex capital projects. See attached Project List.
1983 – 1984 Moriece and Gary, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts Landscape Architect Responsible for the design and production of construction documents for the South West Corridor Project, Boston.
1984 Copley Square Design Competition Independent Project
1981-1983 The Architects Collaborative, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts Landscape Architect Involvement in a range of project work, with responsibilities including: research, site analysis, master planning, site planning, preliminary design studies, design development, construction documents, project coordination.
1983 Spectacle Island Design Competition Independent Project
1980 – 1981 Duryea and Wilmelmi, PC Syracuse, New York Landscape Architect
1979 – 1980 Kotz and Schneider Syracuse, New York Landscape Architect
Stuart Weinreb, p.2
Teaching Experience 1987 & Boston Architectural Center Boston, Massachusetts 1986 Lecturer / Instructor Site Engineering & Landscape Architectural Construction Courses
Education 1979 SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse, New York Master of Landscape Architecture Teaching Assistantship: Design Studios Research Internship: Onondaga County Recreation Planning
1973 The City College of New York New York, New York Bachelor of Arts
Affiliations Walden Pond Board of Directors American Society of Landscape Architects
Awards American Society of Landscape Architects, LaGasse Medal 2013 Mass Audubon, Presidents Award 2008 & 2014 Boston Society of Landscape Architects, Merit Award for Dudley Town Common Project Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Urban Landscape Award for Dudley Town Common Project DEM Performance Recognition Awards, 1996, 1997, 2000
References Available upon request