Staff and Board
Staff and Board
Meet Our Staff
Gitte Venicx / Executive Director
Gitte Venicx (she/her) is the Executive Director of Salem Sound Coastwatch, where she leads strategy, fundraising, and partnerships to advance science-based coastal conservation on the North Shore. She brings more than 18 years of nonprofit leadership experience, including as CEO of Earthwatch Institute, an international environmental organization focused on participatory science.
Throughout her career, Gitte has worked at the intersection of science and community, developing programs that translate research into accessible, participatory experiences that inform decision-making and drive environmental impact. A North Shore resident, she is especially motivated to focus her leadership locally.
At a time of increasing climate pressure on coastal communities, Gitte is focused on building on Salem Sound Coastwatch’s strong foundation—deepening impact in coastal resilience, expanding science-driven and education programs, and strengthening connections between data, decision-making, and community action across the region.
Alison Frye / Associate Director
As Associate Director of Salem Sound Coastwatch and Regional Coordinator for the MassBays National Estuary Partnership, Alison provides scientific leadership for the organization’s research, restoration, and coastal resilience initiatives. Her expertise spans seagrass restoration, salt marsh monitoring, and nature-based solutions that help coastal communities adapt to climate change. Alison leads collaborative projects with municipalities, researchers, and community volunteers, advancing efforts such as eelgrass restoration, horseshoe crab spawning surveys, marine invasive species monitoring, and other community science initiatives. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Bates College and an M.S. in Marine Biology from Northeastern University, where her research focused on nature-based climate adaptation through constructed oyster reefs. A longtime science educator, Alison also teaches Marine and Climate Science to high school seniors, inspiring the next generation of coastal stewards.
Suzi Jordan / Development Director
Suzi builds meaningful partnerships that connect donors, foundations, corporations, and community members to the organization’s mission of protecting and restoring Salem Sound. With more than 13 years of fundraising experience across higher education and the nonprofit sector, she has a passion for helping people turn their values into lasting environmental impact. Suzi leads Salem Sound Coastwatch’s major gifts program, annual fundraising, grant writing, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and special events. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management with a minor in Information Technology Management from Syracuse University.
Nicole Albani / Education Director
Nicole leads Salem Sound Coastwatch’s education programs, ensuring thousands of students in our community have meaningful opportunities to explore and care for their local environment. She brings a strong background in environmental education, program leadership, and youth development, with experience in both classroom and nonprofit settings. Passionate about creating inclusive, hands-on learning experiences, Nicole works with schools, educators, and community partners to inspire lifelong environmental stewardship. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Washington State University and an M.A. in Nonprofit Administration from Louisiana State University Shreveport.
Susan Marsh / Community Engagement Manager
Susan has been part of the Salem Sound Coastwatch community for more than 30 years, first as a dedicated volunteer and since 2022 as a valued member of the staff. In her role, she helps connect people of all ages to Salem Sound through community events, volunteer opportunities, and hands-on environmental stewardship. She also supports donor communications and fundraising efforts, building lasting relationships with the volunteers and supporters who make Salem Sound Coastwatch’s work possible. A longtime Salem resident, Susan’s background as both an architect and Salem Public Schools science teacher gives her a unique perspective on engaging people with the natural world. She holds an M.Ed. from Salem State University and a Master of Architecture from Tulane University.
Alex Borreil / Education and Research Coordinator
Members of the Board of Directors
Rebecca Dupont-Coutu, President / Senior Project Scientist, Certified Stormwater Manager – New England Civil Engineering; Beverly resident
Martha Bednarz, Vice President / Development Strategist, Retired, Salem Sound Coastwatch; Beverly resident
Carole McCauley, Treasurer/ North Shore Regional Director – Mass Audubon; Topsfield resident
Robert Buchsbaum, Ph.D., Secretary / Conservation Scientist Agent – Retired from Mass Audubon; Beverly resident
Tammy Brodie / Editor – Journal for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery; Beverly resident
David Caldwell / Assistant Harbormaster – Beverly Harbormaster Department; Salem resident
Katharine Deuel / Deputy Director · NESCAUM; Beverly resident
Jack Nessen / Geographic Information Systems Manager – Mass Audubon; Danvers resident
Alan Young, Ph.D. / Professor Emeritus – Salem State University; Peabody resident