Salem Sound Coastwatch is pleased to announce that Gitte Venicx has joined us as our new Executive Director.
“After a competitive hiring process, the Search Committee is excited to welcome Gitte Venicx as our Executive Director,” said Rebecca Dupont-Coutu, SSCW Board Chair. “Her combination of strategic leadership, fundraising experience, and deep commitment to science-based community engagement makes her uniquely well-suited to lead Salem Sound Coastwatch into its next chapter. We were especially impressed by her ability to connect big-picture vision with practical, local impact.”
Gitte brings more than 18 years of leadership experience in environmental conservation, with a career focused on connecting science, communities, and action. Most recently, she served as CEO of Earthwatch Institute, where she led an international nonprofit advancing participatory science, environmental education, and global conservation partnerships.
Throughout her career, Gitte has worked at the intersection of scientific research and community engagement—designing programs that make environmental data accessible, meaningful, and actionable. Her experience spans watershed resilience, urban environmental programs, volunteer mobilization, and fundraising, with a strong track record of building partnerships across municipalities, scientists, funders, and local communities.
As a North Shore resident, Gitte is especially excited to focus her leadership locally. She brings a deep appreciation for the role Salem Sound Coastwatch plays in protecting and improving the environmental health of the region—from water quality monitoring and coastal research to education and municipal collaboration. At a time of increasing climate pressure on coastal communities, she will work with staff, partners, and communities to build on this strong foundation—deepening SSCW’s impact in coastal resilience, expanding science-driven programs, and strengthening connections between data, decision-making, and community action across the North Shore.
“I’m honored to join Salem Sound Coastwatch at such an important moment,” said Gitte. “This organization has built something truly special—trusted science, strong partnerships, and a deep connection to the community. I’m excited to build on that momentum—growing our reach, strengthening partnerships with municipalities and residents, and ensuring our science continues to inform real-world decisions that protect the places people care about.”
Please join us in welcoming Gitte to Salem Sound Coastwatch.