Message From Ipswich River Watershed Association’s Board President
Dear Ipswich River Members,
I’m writing to let you know that Wayne Castonguay will soon be stepping down as our Executive Director to take a position with his previous employer, the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game, Division of Marine Fisheries. Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors, we are happy for Wayne and extend our best wishes and great appreciation to him for his many years of tireless dedication to IRWA and the River. We know we will always have Wayne’s passion for the Ipswich River to count on and will forever consider him and integral member of the Ipswich River Watershed family.
Given Wayne’s long tenure with IRWA, this represents a real change for IRWA. Despite this, I am confident that the organization is well positioned to seamlessly continue our mission to protect and restore the Ipswich River. This starts with our talented and passionate staff, and continues with our volunteer corps who will carry on their dedicated work on behalf of the river. Our Board, and many of our remarkable and generous donors, have already demonstrated an outpouring of support to help ensure our transition to new leadership is well planned and executed.
I am pleased to report that the search for a new Executive Director is underway, and we’ve already assembled a search committee to lead us through the search and selection process. In addition, I expect we will soon be naming an Acting Executive Director to help ensure continuity and accountability during our search for a new Executive Director.
Overall, I am very optimistic and enthusiastic about the future of IRWA. Our Board and staff is strong and highly committed. We enjoy a wonderfully passionate and committed membership and volunteer base. Our organization is fiscally strong. We recently completed a new Strategic Plan to guide us going forward and almost all our major plans and initiatives to support it are in place. Our network partners and related coalitions are strong and committed to helping us advance our important work.
Thank you for your continued support.
Ken MacNulty
President, Board of Directors
Ipswich River Watershed Association Board Members from left to right: Paul Charos (Wakefield), Brian Tinger-Treasurer (South Hamilton), Deb Logan (Ipswich), Mike Searles (Ipswich/West-Roxbury), Ken MacNulty-President (Lynnfield), Dan Heiter (Topsfield), Kim Honetschlager (Reading), Don Pearson (Wakefield), Lauren Fitzgerald-Vice President (Topsfield), Linda Fates (Ipswich), Diane Dixon (Hamilton), Judy Schneider (Middleton), Dave Comb-Secretary (Manchester), Julia Casto (Boxford), Chris Davis (Ipswich). Not pictured here: Chris Barensfeld (Boxford), Ken Whittaker (Wenham), Richard Howard (Ipswich).
Message From Wayne
Dear Ipswich River Members,
I wish to thank the Board, the Staff and most importantly all of our members and supporters for letting me work with you to protect the river we love. I can safely say the last 13 years spent with you as your Director have been the most rewarding of my professional career and will remember our years together forever.
In a few weeks, I will be stepping down from my role here at Ipswich River to take a position with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) where I started my career. At DMF I will help manage their Shellfish and Water Quality Program where I will be uniquely positioned to continue working to help our River.
Despite a seemingly endless set of challenges facing us, our Association is up to the task. We are poised to achieve several major victories for the river in our immediate future. I’ve never been more excited about the prospect that our river is well on its way to becoming the healthiest, most resilient, and vital river in our region.
While my departure is bittersweet I remain fully committed to the Ipswich River and will help in any way to ensure a seamless transition to your new leader. I plan to return to the volunteer and partner roles I had prior to becoming the Director and look forward to continuing to work side by side with many of you. I am deeply grateful for all you’ve done for me and what we’ve been able to accomplish together.
With deep appreciation,
Wayne Castonguay
Executive Director
Ipswich River Watershed Association Staff from left to right: Sarah Dawson (Restoration Project Manager), Molly Courson (Watershed Resiliency Planner), Ryan O’Donnell (Programs Coordinator), Emma Hughen (Environmental Educator), Neil Shea (Restoration Program Director), Wayne Castonguay (Executive Director), Leah Feeney (Graphic Designer), Erin Bonney Casey (Resiliency Program Director), Tracy Sopchak (Director of Development and Engagement), Carla Villa (Engagement Manager), Deb Lindal (Office and Admin Manager). Not pictured here Gail Sorenson (Bookkeeper).