Profile
Basic Info
First Name |
Bob |
Last Name |
Lewis |
Display Name |
Bob Lewis |
Your Affiliated Organization |
St. Mary's River Watershed Association |
Job Title |
Executive Director |
Website |
|
About You |
My Background: Bob Lewis received a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and Music Composition from the State University of New York, and certificates in arts administration, personnel management, Web marketing, and communications technology. He graduated from the Institute for Conservation Leadership, Executive Director Leadership Program (2008). He holds a certificate of completion from Leadership Southern Maryland (class of 2014). He is a founder and graduate of the Chesapeake Institure for Grassroots Organizing (2012-2014). In 2013, Bob founded the Future Bay Leaders, a program to mentor high school and college students through hands-on learning, leadership training, and work skills development. Bob was recognized in 2006 as the Environmentalist of the Year by the Potomac River Association. Also in 2006, Bob chaired the Cultural Diversity Task Force for the county superintendent of public schools. In February 2009, Governor O'Malley recognized Bob with the Lower Potomac Tributary Team <i>River Hero</i> award, and in spring of 2013 Bob was awarded the <em>Champion of the Chesapeake</em> by the St. Mary's River Watershed Association. In summer 2013, Bob was awarded the title <em>Chesapeake Bay Ambassador</em> by Governor Martin O'Malley who subsequently appointed Bob to the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin. Bob prides himself on his "connection" to our natural world and when he is not working he can be found in his vegetable and berry patch, or pulling on a paddle almost anywhere in North America. My Work History: Bob has led an interesting career path to his current position as executive director of the local watershed organization. Bob began with a 20-hour per week job as a dock worker at the age of twelve. While he held the license and knowledge to be a successful boat captain, severe motion sickness kept him around the docks. In 1975 as Dockmaster at Cove Marina (Montauk, NY) and with 109 boats up to 68 feet in length under his direct supervision, Bob prepared for and monitored the events of Hurricane Belle with sustained local winds well over 90 mph. With a team of three others, they managed to bring all 109 boats through this fierce storm with only one torn canvas Bimini top ($175 damage). Bob moved to the heartland in the 1980s and built homes, managed a services office at Indiana University, and moved into retail commercial construction. In 1990, Bob "retired" to Southern Maryland following his spouse, Merideth Taylor, to her new position as Professor of Dance and Movement at St. Mary's College of Maryland. (now Emeritus Professor) By the mid-1990s, Bob was involved with promoting non-profits through the Internet and shortly thereafter, he specialized in leading fundraising and planning workshops for non-profits. Bob began working with the founders of the St. Mary's River Watershed Association in 2001 and subsequently began part time employment for that organization in 2005. My Interests: Bob is interested in the natural environment – how it affects us and why it is necessary for a complete and fulfilled life. He also is knowledgeable about foods and how they affect health. He maintains an organic subsistence farm producing 80% of the family food needs. Bob can be found paddling the Bay's tidal creeks on Sundays. |
Email Address |