About the Coastal Resources Center

A picture to represent the current project

CRC has a dedicated staff of approxiamtely one-dozen coastal management professionals based at the University of Rhode Island. This core group has an average of eight years of professional experience working worldwide, in the United States, Europe, Asia, Pacific, Latin America and East Africa. CRC Staff have a range of backgrounds in regional planning, marine affairs, oceanography, engineering, economics, communications, and business mangement. This URI based team is complemented by a group of full-time and part-time colleagues from around the globe that work on CRC projects worldwide.

About the Coastal Resources Center
The CRC Approach
The Nature of the Challenge
CRC History
CRC Staff
CRC Values

CRC Staff

Stephen Olsen: Director : sbo@crc.uri.edu

Stephen has been with CRC since its creation in 1971, and has served as the Center’s director since 1975. From 1985 - 2003, he was the international director of the Coastal Resources Management Program sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development. That program is widely recognized as a pioneer in developing a learning-based, issue-driven approach to the management of coastal ecosystems through long-term programs in Latin America, East Africa and Southeast Asia. Stephen has also been working to formulate a common methodology for learning from coastal management experience. This work is being supported by a number of international institutions and is promoting an adaptive, learning-based approach to coastal management.

Stephen led the team that drafted the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Program adopted by the state in 1976—one of the first to be approved by the federal government. He also led the design of the second generation Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Program that has been the basis for management decisions in the state since 1983. More recently he has worked with the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and the United Nations Development Program on their coastal management initiatives in a growing number of countries. Stephen is regarded as one of the leading authorities worldwide on coastal governance. He has an M.S. in Biological Oceanography and a B.A. in Biology.

Lesley Squillante: Assistant Director : lesley@crc.uri.edu

Lesley joined CRC in 1994 as assistant director. She has responsibility for the Center’s communications and knowledge management initiatives, plays a key role in CRC fundraising, and has oversight of administrative, financial and human resources functions. Lesley also serves as deputy director of two of the Center’s key international programs. She founded the Center’s Women in Leadership Development project, dealing with a mix of gender equity, population/demographics, and coastal management issues. Prior to joining CRC, Lesley was assistant director for international relations at PLAN International headquarters—a development agency with programs in over 40 developing countries. As part of her responsibilities at PLAN, she also served as secretariat to the NGO Committee of UNICEF in New York and Geneva. Lesley has an MBA and a B.S. in German and Education.

Brian Crawford: Senior Coastal Manager : brian@crc.uri.edu

Brian joined CRC in 1988. He manages a suite of CRC projects in the Asia Pacific Region and leads the CRC teams responsible for implementing long-term field programs in East Africa, Asia, Latin America and the United States. He also provides high level programmatic assistance to many of these projects—ranging from policy guidance to hands-on technical assistance. His main areas of interest are in marine protected areas, community-based management and socio-economic aspects of monitoring and evaluation. Brian also spent two years in Indonesia as technical field advisor to CRC’s Indonesia Coastal Resources Management Project. Brian earlier founded and directed the Center’s education and training program implementing two to three regional and international ICM training courses annually. Brian is a former Peace Corps volunteer who served in Malaysia and the Philippines. He has an M.A. in Marine Affairs; a B.S. in Oceanography, and is pursuing his Ph.D. in Marine Affairs.

Virginia Lee: Senior Coastal Manager : vlee@crc.uri.edu

Virginia joined the Coastal Resources Center in 1979. She leads the Center’s Capacity Building program, which includes both international and U.S. based training courses, study tours, and hands-on-mentoring with individuals and institutions. Virginia also plays an important role in fundraising for the Center. Until 2007, she managed the Rhode Island (RI) and US-based program activities. These programs created unique coastal and harbor management plans for Rhode Island that drew national and international attention. Virginia also helped lead a major interdisciplinary research project on RI coastal lagoons and barrier systems that yielded an early national model for coastal management. At the request of the RI Office of the Attorney General, Virginia led an effort to compile 20 years' worth of research for the state's argument in a precedent-setting tidal wetlands case before the U.S. Supreme Court: Palazzolo v. Rhode Island. Virginia. She has led prominent efforts to create and promote citizen volunteer monitoring projects nationwide, and has also collaborated on two national assessments of the U.S. Coastal Zone Management Program. Virginia has an M.S. in Biological Oceanography and a B.A. in Human Ecology.

Don Robadue: Senior Coastal Manager : don@crc.uri.edu

Don joined CRC in 1977. His expertise is in policy analysis, strategy development, the design and management of local and state-level coastal resources management programs in the U.S. and developing countries, and national programs in developing countries. He currently works in Tanzania as a coastal planner, co-authored the new Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Guidebook and is serving as an information specialist for the USAID-funded global BALANCED Project, which advocates an integrated approach to population, health and environment. Don helped develop Rhode Island’s Marine Resources Development Plan and is conducting a GIS based inventory of its economic waterfront. He was senior technical advisor to the USAID Mexico Conservation of Critical Ecosystems program and the Ecuador Coastal Resources Management program. Don is a senior training in CRC training courses in English and Spanish. He has a Masters in Community Planning, a B.A. in Sociology, and is a PhD candidate in information science.

Pam Rubinoff: Coastal Manager : rubi@crc.uri.edu

Pam joined CRC is 1996. Pam works with U.S. and international partners to build capacity, create policy, and provide technical assistance in Latin America, Southeast Asia, the Marshall Islands and Rhode Island. She combines her skills in engineering and coastal policy to lead the Center’s effort to create an interdisciplinary Climate Change Adaptation program—a cornerstone of which is a new Coastal Adaptation Guidebook. She recently contributed to community recovery efforts and resilience assessment methods as part of the U.S. response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. As a Sea Grant Extension specialist, Pam initiated the creation of Coastal Smart Growth Principles, collaborated in the development of RI’s State sea level rise policy, identified hazard mitigation initiatives for the state’s urban core, and initiated Smart Hurricane Recovery initiative for southern Rhode Island. Ms. Rubinoff has a masters degree in Marine Policy from University of Rhode Island and a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from University of Delaware

Jen McCann: Coastal Manager : mccann@crc.uri.edu

Jennifer joined CRC in 1996. She leads CRC’s U.S. Coastal Program and also serves as the Extension Leader for Coastal Program for the Rhode Island Sea Grant College Program. As lead of these programs, she is currently a principal investigator and management team member of the Ocean Special Area Management Plan (SAMP), a state regulatory effort to comprehensively zone state waters regarding existing and potential ocean uses, including offshore alternative energy resources. Jennifer is also guiding coastal management efforts on Aquidneck Island, in Rhode Island’s urban city and port areas, and is working with team members to address coastal management issues in the context of global climate change on regional, national, and international scales. Prior to her U.S. Coastal Program experience, Jennifer was CRC’s manager for coastal management projects in Mexico on the Caribbean coast. She worked in partnership with local organizations at both the community and state levels of government. Before joining CRC, Jennifer served as project manager for the Center for Marine Conservation in the Dominican Republic. Jennifer has an M.A. in Marine Affairs and a B.A. in Spanish and International Relations.

Jim Tobey: Senior Coastal Manager : tobey@crc.uri.edu

Jim joined CRC in 1996. He has been a technical advisor and project manager with CRC’s international team on projects in Tanzania, Thailand, Ecuador, Mexico, Honduras, Indonesia and Pacific Islands. His primary focus has been in the development of concepts and tools, evaluation, applications of science to coastal management, sustainable livelihood development, coastal watershed assessment and planning and climate change adaptation. Jim is also an adjunct professor in the URI Department of Marine Affairs and was a Fulbright Senior Specialist in Colombia in 2006. Prior to joining the CRC, Jim served as administrator with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris. Jim has a Ph.D., M.A. and B.A. in Economics.

Elin Torell: Coastal Manager : elin@crc.uri.edu

Elin joined CRC in 2002. She co-leads CRC’s strategic initiative in field incubators and is technical advisor to several projects in the CRC’s East African portfolio. She leads CRC’s East African Capacity Building Program and has conducted technical studies for The World Bank on poverty and marine protected areas in Tanzania. She also provides research and learning-oriented support to CRC’s Africa and global programs. She currently co-leads the Center’s Women in Leadership Development project, dealing with a mix of gender equity, population/demographics, and coastal management issues. She has performed riverine and coastal resources management consulting in East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Prior to joining CRC, she served as a visiting King’s Scholar (Sweden) and research associate at the Center. Elin has a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies, an M.Sc. in Science in Human and Economic Geography, and a B.A. in Social Science.

Bob Bowen: MIS Manager : bob@crc.uri.edu

Bob joined CRC in 1997. He is the manager of management and information systems for the Center’s Rhode Island headquarters and field offices. He is the Center’s Webmaster, assesses and coordinates information technology needs, and manages general computer services. He is also co-leader of CRC’s knowledge management strategic objective team. Bob’s professional interests include information technology, knowledge management, and geographical information system applications for coastal planning and management. Bob is ABD in Chemical Oceanography and has a B.S. in Chemistry.

Chip Young: Communications Liason : cyoung@gso.uri.edu

Chip joined CRC in 1996. He previously worked as communications director for Save the Bay, the Rhode Island Commissioner of Education, and a local public policy firm dealing with health, social services and education issues. Chip is in charge of all editing and production of all CRC publications. He is responsible for media relations and public outreach, and serves as liaison to the state General Assembly and U.S. Congressional delegation. He is also a weekly political, media, social commentary and sports columnist for the Providence Phoenix newspaper. Chip has a B.A. in American Civilization.

Glenn Ricci: Coastal Manager : gricci@crc.uri.edu

Glenn joined CRC in 2001. He co-leads CRC’s portfolio for capacity building of coastal leaders. He heads several international capacity building activities in roles ranging from program designer, to trainer, facilitator and evaluator. Glenn manages CRC’s major effort in Certifying Marine Protected Area (MPA) Professionals in East Africa—bringing to that effort his extensive experience in the Asia/Pacific and Caribbean regions on management effectiveness of MPAs. Glenn’s experience includes integrating local and provincial/state government coastal programs—most recently as applied to coastal hazards and climate change for the US and internationally through guidebooks, tools and trainings. Prior to joining CRC, Glenn worked in international policy development on environment and trade issues at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. He also worked in the private sector developing a marine tourism business in Latin America. Glenn has an M.S. in Environmental Management and a B.S. in Biology.

Sue Kennedy: Communications Specialist : skennedy@crc.uri.edu

Sue joined CRC in 2000. She plays dual roles in the Center’s US-based program. As a trained communications specialist, Sue provides public outreach and media relations for the Center’s Rhode Island and United States work. She also helps facilitate public processes for coastal management projects, primarily the Aquidneck Island and Ocean Special Area Management Plans (SAMPs). Before joining CRC, Sue worked for the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation and served in both reporter and editor capacities at several community newspapers in Rhode Island. Sue has an M.A. and a B.A. in English.

Cindy Moreau: Business Manager : cindy@crc.uri.edu

Cindy joined CRC in 1987. She previously worked in the University of Rhode Island Advancement Office. She administers business affairs of the Center’s Rhode Island-based headquarters and international field offices. Cindy serves as a key member of the Center’s fund-development team, and prepares operating budgets, cash projections and financial analysis for senior management. She has developed policies, procedures and administrative for field offices in Asia and East Africa to ensure compliance with university, federal and private donor guidelines. Cindy is a liaison between the university, donors, and CRC directors and technical staff on the Center’s key financial and administrative operations. Cindy has a B.S. in Human Studies and an A.S. in Business.

Amber Neville: Program Assistant : amber@crc.uri.edu

Amber joined CRC in 2000. In her role as program assistant to the Center’s US-based projects, Amber works directly with CRC’s local program managers to coordinate project logistics. This includes support to an innovative new project working to site wind technology within the state’s waters and tap a much needed alternative energy source for the state of Rhode Island. Amber also provides information and data management support and is responsible for several project-based websites, listservs, and databases. She has a B.A. in English and is currently pursuing a Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS).

Kate Manning: Grants Accountant : kmanning@crc.uri.edu

Kate joined CC in 2005. In her role as Research Grant Assistant, Kate manages all aspects of U.S. Coastal Program finances including proposal and budget development, financial projections, tracking and reporting, purchasing, travel coordination and personnel. Kate provides administrative support and assistance to project managers, fund directors and collaborative partners. Kate also is a key member of the Ocean SAMP team and serves as the financial and administrative coordinator. She provides data management assistance and expertise to directors and principal investigators in the areas of budget preparation, forecasting, accounts payable and reporting.

Kim Kaine: Program Assistant : kkaine@crc.uri.edu

Kim joined CRC in 1998. She has over ten years experience as the Center's coordinator for training, volunteer, and fellowship programs. Her experience with diverse populations and understanding of cross-cultural and gender issues serve her well in the Center's U.S-Zanzibar cross-culture and technology exchange program. This effort brings women (and a few men) from Zanzibar to the U.S. to learn small business skills in jewelry making and marketing; and in return sends U.S. small business entrepreneurs to Zanzibar to learn about that African country’ culture, business approaches, and opportunities. Kim also designs project protocols and systems; and is a key member of CRC's development team. Kim has a BS degree.

Teresa Crean: : tcrean@crc.uri.edu

Teresa joined CRC in 2008, and is currently facilitating the ongoing efforts in Newport Harbor to improve public access and honor the working waterfront in and around the harbor. In addition, she is involved in the policy formulation and coordination of the Ocean Special Area Management Plan (SAMP), which will serve to define use zones for Rhode Island ’s offshore waters through a research and planning process that integrates the best available science with open public input and involvement. Prior to joining CRC, Teresa worked for non-profit regional planning commissions and in the private sector for planning/design firms. Teresa earned a Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.) from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse , a B.S. in Environmental Policy/Natural Resource Management from the University of Michigan , and is a certified planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Tiffany Smythe: : tsmythe@crc.uri.edu

Tiffany joined Sea Grant/CRC in 2009 as a coastal management extension specialist with RI Sea Grant and the URI Coastal Resources Center (CRC). She conducts research and outreach in support of the RI Ocean Special Area Management Plan—an ecosystem-based marine spatial planning project—and focuses primarily on fisheries, marine transportation, and recreational boating. She also works on a study evaluating the economic impacts of land and water uses in Newport Harbor, which will guide Newport waterfront policy formulation and decision-making. Tiffany’s academic research has focused on working waterfronts, coastal governance, and sustainable coastal land use, and her current Ph.D dissertation is exploring the capacity of decision-makers to collaborate across jurisdictions and disciplines in order to implement an ecosystem-based management approach. Before joining CRC, Tiffany worked for ten years as a teacher and professional sailor aboard sail training ships, during which time she earned New York State teacher certification and a 100-ton U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license. Tiffany has a Masters in Marine Affairs; a Masters in Social Studies Education; and a Bachelor in .A. History/English. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Marine Affairs.

Coastal Resources Center

University of Rhode Island

Objectives

Themes

Approaches

About the Coastal Resources Center

CRC Staff