We are pleased to announce today the formation of the executive council of the Senior Bay Scientists and Policymakers, almost one year to the day after launch of the Chesapeake Bay Action Plan website.

Composed of leading scientists and policymakers, members of the executive council are all long-time champions of the Chesapeake Bay, and they will lend their substantial talents and expertise to help our group shape important policy decisions. They will also provide direction to help the Senior Bay Scientists and Policymakers strategically focus our collective efforts, and harness the power of the many organizations supporting this work, so we can be most effective.

Through the Bay TMDL and local Watershed Implementation Plans, we’ve got an incredible opportunity to finally clean up the Chesapeake Bay and local waterways, but only if we remain firm and hold our local, state and federal governments—and our decisionmakers—accountable during this critical period. With recent attacks on science being used to fight Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, and powerful industry attempting to derail the Bay cleanup, we must also elevate the voice of science. The Executive Council will help us do just that.

We’re also pleased to announce the Bay Action Plan’s new staff director, Dawn Stoltzfus. For the past 12 years, Dawn has focused on public relations and advocacy campaigns related to environmental issues as well as on efforts to support Chesapeake Bay and waterway restoration.

Jeanne MCann will continue in her role as the editor of the Bay Action Plan’s blog and promoting the site through social media.