Friends of the Bay has a staff of three paid full-time employees: an executive director, program coordinator and volunteer coordinator.
Our board is made up of fifteen community leaders who donate their time and expertise to the organization without compensation.
Board Members |
Advisory Board |
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Bill Bleyer – President
Mitch Kramer – Vice President Eric Swenson – Secretary Glenn Kempa, CPA – Treasurer Barry E. Lamb – Immediate Past President Beth Dalton Costello – President Emerita Richard Appell Rob Brusca Michael Held Carolyn Kenavan Betsy Lawrence Matthew T. Meng Dave Relyea John Taylor Thomas Thornton |
Rosemary Bourne
Charles Corso Jamie Deming Heather Johnson Sarah Meyland Douglas Paul Elaine Postley Dawn Riley Elizabeth Roosevelt Larry Schmidlapp Cynthia Stebbins Lloyd Trotman Larry Weiss Robert Zimmerman |
Staff
Christine Suter – Executive Director - [email protected]
Caroline Fabian – Program Coordinator - [email protected]
Amanda Hornung - Volunteer Coordinator - [email protected]
Caroline Fabian – Program Coordinator - [email protected]
Amanda Hornung - Volunteer Coordinator - [email protected]
About Executive Director, Christine Suter
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From a very early age Christine always had a deep curiosity about nature, especially anything marine science related. She was born and raised in Huntington and grew up swimming in the Long Island Sound and the bays and harbors surrounding her hometown.
During her early twenties she spent seven years living in Santa Cruz, California and earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology with a focus in physical anthropology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. |
Christine’s passion for marine conservation eventually led her to earn a master’s degree in marine conservation and policy from Stony Brook University in 2020. In September of 2021 she started working for the Friends of the Bay and during the summer of 2022 she moved to Oyster Bay which had always been a familiar place to her. Her grandparents lived in Bayville and she spent many days during her youth visiting them and Oyster Bay. In 2023 she became the assistant director of Friends of the Bay and in February of 2024 was officially named executive director.
Christine has enjoyed many aspects of working for Friends of the Bay but has especially enjoyed her time conducting water quality monitoring on the bay, collaborating with other environmental organizations, and engaging with the public while running beach cleanups and giving presentations.
In her free time, Christine enjoys kayaking, gardening, swimming, beach-combing, hiking, traveling, and winter duck watching. She is currently a vice president of the Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society.
Christine has enjoyed many aspects of working for Friends of the Bay but has especially enjoyed her time conducting water quality monitoring on the bay, collaborating with other environmental organizations, and engaging with the public while running beach cleanups and giving presentations.
In her free time, Christine enjoys kayaking, gardening, swimming, beach-combing, hiking, traveling, and winter duck watching. She is currently a vice president of the Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society.
About Program Coordinator, Caroline FabianCaroline Fabian grew up in southeast Massachusetts, frequently going camping and exploring the outdoors with her family. In 2018, Caroline moved to Long Island where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Hofstra University.
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She then went on to graduate from Stony Brook University with a master’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary biology where her research focused on quantitative ecology. She also graduated with a secondary certificate in science research and training to inform decision making. In her free time, Caroline loves to travel, rock climb, go to the beach, and hike.
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About Volunteer Coordinator,
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Continuing at Adelphi for her master's degree in biology, she focused her research on American Eels around Long Island. In her free time, she enjoys ice skating, cross-stitching, and rock climbing.
About Our Board Members
About President,
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Bill Bleyer was named to the board of Friends of the Bay in the fall of 2018. The following year he became secretary and then president in January 2020.
Before joining the FOB board, in 2018 Bill was a founder of the Coalition Against An UnSound Crossing, serving as the nonprofit organization’s vice president. |
Bill was a prize-winning staff writer for Newsday for 33 years before retiring in 2014 to write books and freelance for magazines and Newsday. He began his career as editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian for a year.
He is the author of The Sinking of the Steamboat Lexington on Long Island Sound (The History Press 2024) , George Washington’s Long Island Spy Ring: A History and Tour Guide published by The History Press in May 2021, Long Island and the Sea: A Maritime History (The History Press 2019), The Fire Island Lighthouse: Long Island’s Welcoming Beacon (The History Press 2017), Sagamore Hill: Theodore Roosevelt's Summer White House (The History Press 2016) and co-author of Long Island and the Civil War (The History Press 2015).
The Hofstra University graduate has taught economics and journalism at the school and Long Island maritime history at Webb Institute in Glen Cove.
A former president of the Press Club of Long Island and national board member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Bill has been inducted into the Long Island Journalism Hall of Fame.
He is the author of The Sinking of the Steamboat Lexington on Long Island Sound (The History Press 2024) , George Washington’s Long Island Spy Ring: A History and Tour Guide published by The History Press in May 2021, Long Island and the Sea: A Maritime History (The History Press 2019), The Fire Island Lighthouse: Long Island’s Welcoming Beacon (The History Press 2017), Sagamore Hill: Theodore Roosevelt's Summer White House (The History Press 2016) and co-author of Long Island and the Civil War (The History Press 2015).
The Hofstra University graduate has taught economics and journalism at the school and Long Island maritime history at Webb Institute in Glen Cove.
A former president of the Press Club of Long Island and national board member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Bill has been inducted into the Long Island Journalism Hall of Fame.
About Vice President,
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Born and raised in the Oyster Bay-East Norwich area, Mitch has spent his entire life on or in the waters of Oyster Bay. Upon graduation from Oyster Bay High School, Mitch earned a degree from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Immediately returning to his hometown, Mitch started a marine towing and salvage company which has become a well-respected company utilized by many of the major insurance companies and law enforcement agencies in New York and Connecticut areas.
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During this time, he has been salvage master on hundreds of operations ranging from the refloating of commercial vessels, the raising of a sunken U.S. Coast Guard vessel, oil pollution containment and clean up, and the emergency rescue of vessels in peril.
His ability to handle complex marine problems led to his expansion into the film industry. In 1996, working with a team of professionals, he began doing marine coordination for major film and TV projects all over the world.
Always an advocate for improving his hometown, Mitch started a real estate development company in 2009 which purchases and completely renovates local properties in need of rehabilitation.
As an avid outdoorsman and wildlife enthusiast Mitch, along with his wife Donna, volunteer their time doing wildlife rescue. He and Donna, a licensed New York State wildlife rehabilitator and practice manager at a large local veterinary practice, have handled everything from injured hawks and eagles to foxes, possums and even a ram.
His work has given him the unique opportunity to make hundreds of dives in our local waters covering almost every corner of Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor.
He considers himself extremely fortunate to be able to make his living on the water and in doing so is aware of the importance of preserving what we have.
His ability to handle complex marine problems led to his expansion into the film industry. In 1996, working with a team of professionals, he began doing marine coordination for major film and TV projects all over the world.
Always an advocate for improving his hometown, Mitch started a real estate development company in 2009 which purchases and completely renovates local properties in need of rehabilitation.
As an avid outdoorsman and wildlife enthusiast Mitch, along with his wife Donna, volunteer their time doing wildlife rescue. He and Donna, a licensed New York State wildlife rehabilitator and practice manager at a large local veterinary practice, have handled everything from injured hawks and eagles to foxes, possums and even a ram.
His work has given him the unique opportunity to make hundreds of dives in our local waters covering almost every corner of Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor.
He considers himself extremely fortunate to be able to make his living on the water and in doing so is aware of the importance of preserving what we have.
About Secretary,
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Eric Swenson has been executive director of the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee since 2003. He is the former chair and current Village of Mill Neck representative on the Oyster Bay / Cold Spring Harbor Protection Committee. Swenson was superintendent of environmental control for the Town of Oyster Bay from 1988 to 2012. He is past president and treasurer of the New York State Association for Solid Waste Management and was the founding director and secretary of the Federation of New York Solid Waste Associations.
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He is a board member of the New York Product Stewardship Council, the treasurer of the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District, and a member of the Long Island Sound Study Citizens Advisory Committee. He is the past coordinator of the Town of Oyster Bay Green Energy Task Force and secretary of the Evan R. Liblit Memorial Scholarship Committee at Stony Brook University. Swenson is the vice president of the Friends of Cedarmere, Inc., a past member of the Village of Sea Cliff Recycling Task Force, and a past founding member of the board of Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer.
ABOUT OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Richard Appell
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Richard Appell is the CEO and Managing Director of the Odin Marine Group, a leading international tanker brokerage and logistics firm known for its diverse operations and leading sales. He earned his ship officer’s license and a Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology and physical oceanography from SUNY Maritime College at Fort Schuyler, New York. Appell has experience sailing as an officer on some of the most advanced chemical tankers ever constructed. He transitioned this leadership expertise to establish Odin Marine’s global petrochemical department, which is recognized as a top organization in the field.
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Additionally, he has broadened the company's reach into various sectors of international logistics. Odin Marine has offices located in New York, Southport (CT), the Netherlands, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore. Rich, an environmentalist working in a sector historically known for significant CO2 emissions, plays a pivotal role as a global leader in his field. He has been key in establishing contractual commitments within the global tanker industry aimed at reducing emissions and creating new agreements that promote environmentally friendly transportation practices.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Appell has dedicated ten years to serving on his village board and has been involved with several industry-related organizations. He is also a current board member of a respected environmental conservation organization in New York. Furthermore, Richard has taught various maritime courses at the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Appell has dedicated ten years to serving on his village board and has been involved with several industry-related organizations. He is also a current board member of a respected environmental conservation organization in New York. Furthermore, Richard has taught various maritime courses at the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
Rob Brusca
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Rob Brusca is an attorney in Oyster Bay, resides in East Norwich, and a nearly lifelong resident of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich community. Rob also serves on the Board of Directors of the East Norwich Civic Association, Oyster Bay Railroad Museum, and Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce, on the Advisory Board of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, and is counsel to (and former Board member of) the Oyster Bay Civic Association.
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Beth Dalton-Costello
Beth Dalton-Costello is a third-generation funeral director and a member of Levittown Community Action Coalition, formed in response to substance abuse problems and the Opioid epidemic. She is an active board member of the Levittown and Hicksville Chamber of Commerces and a member of the Hicksville Kiwanis Club. Beth performed as past president of Friends of the Bay.
Michael Held
Michael Held, a former treasurer of Friends of the Bay, was co-chair of the Nassau County Awards and Innovations Committee. He graduated from New York University in 1971 and from the New York Law School in 1976; he was admitted to the New York bar in 1977. He has been the chief executive of Michael Roger, Inc. for more than 50 years. He served as chairman of the board for the Center for Book Arts and was chair of the Oyster Bay Cove Planning Board. He was co-chair of East Woods School Long Range Plan, a board member of the East Woods School, and vice president and board member of the Shutter Lane Homeowners Association. With his wife, Held assisted in the establishment of the 200+ acre Tiffany Creek Preserve.
Barry Lamb
Barry Lamb is immediate past president of Friends of the Bay, having served 10 years in that role. He recently retired from the Village of East Hills as after 20 years as a Building Inspector. Barry was raised in Locust Valley and has lived in Bayville with his wife Colleen for more than 30 years. He served on the Village of Bayville’s Zoning Board for 13 years. He is an avid sailor, camper, fisherman and all-around advocate of our natural resources.
Betsy Lawrence
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Betsy Lawrence is the founder and president of the New York School of the Arts and THE HUB at the New York School of the Arts, a not-for-profit art school and cultural center. She is also a psychologist and psychoanalyst, practicing in New York City.
Betsy and her husband Hunt received the Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy for their outstanding contributions to the sport of sailing. |
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They were instrumental in their support for the fleet of boats that were used at the Olympic venue in Rio de Janeiro for more than two years to assist in training American athletes. She and Hunt also founded Oakcliff Sailing, a high-performance training center in Oyster Bay.
Betsy splits her time between Centre Island and New York City.
Betsy splits her time between Centre Island and New York City.
David R. Relyea
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David R. Relyea was born in Glen Cove and moved to Bayville in 1954. In 1964 he started working part time at Frank M. Flower & Sons (FMF) on the dock and in the hatchery. He continued working there during the summers and started full time in 1969 as the hatchery manager after graduating from Colgate University with a B.A. in biology. Dave married Eileen Griffin in 1970 and they had three children – Renee, Jeremiah and Martha – and now have five grandchildren.
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In 1996, he purchased Frank M. Flower & Sons with his brother and another partner. Dave left Frank M. Flower & Sons in 2020 taking title of the hatchery and included property in Bayville. In 2021 he purchased Bridge Marina with his son and daughter-in-law. They presently continue to run that business and are not affiliated with Frank M. Flower & Sons in any way. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time at his upstate New York vacation home.
John Taylor
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John Taylor, of Bayville, is a retired advertising executive and now is engaged in funding and advising startup companies in the marketing, publishing and digital broadcasting areas. Taylor began his career in advertising in 1973 and worked for top national advertising agencies, co-founding his own agency in 1986, which grew to handle top Fortune 500 clients throughout North and South America.
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He was elected a trustee of the Village of Bayville in 2014, during which time he was liaison to the Bayville Environmental Conservation Commission and the Bayville Public Library, he also represented Bayville on the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Protection Committee, which is comprised of all municipalities and governments with jurisdiction of the lands within the Oyster Bay watershed. Taylor chaired the Bayville Anti-Tunnel Committee and was also a co-founder and is secretary of the Coalition Against an Unsound Crossing, which was successful in its efforts to prevent the cross-Sound tunnel project from proceeding. Taylor was founder and president of The Windmark Sailing Foundation, a non-profit charitable foundation that supports competitive sailors in national and international regattas. He was also a founding member and trustee of Oakcliff Sailing Center. Taylor also serves on the board of the New York School of the Arts.
Thomas Thornton
Tom is the Chief Innovation Officer at Jefferson, an expansive enterprise encompassing Jefferson Health, Thomas Jefferson University, and Jefferson Health Plans, a $14 billion health system with 65,000 employees, positioning it among the top 15 non-profit health systems in the nation. Tom works with thought leaders from across the university, health system, and insurance plan to turn ideas into measurable impacts on health outcomes, patient experience, and new revenue streams. Previously, Tom was the first Senior Vice President of Northwell Ventures for Northwell Health. In this role, He managed Northwell’s corporate venturing programs, including enterprise growth and investment management responsibilities, diversifying revenue streams, strategic investing, company creation, consulting, innovation management, and industry joint ventures. Outside of work, he serves as a board member and angel investor for venture-funded healthcare startups, an advisor to academic medical centers globally, and an advocate for water quality initiatives on Long Island. Tom, his wife Lindsay, and five children live in Oyster Bay, NY.
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