CERF Committees

We could not do the important work of the Federation without the generosity, expertise, and dedication of our volunteers! We thank all of our chairs and committee members for their invaluable contributions. If you would like more information about committee work, please review the “About CERF Committees and Volunteer Opportunities” below and email [email protected].

About CERF Committees and Volunteer Opportunities | 2023-2025 Committees
Short-Term Task Forces | CERF Publications

2023-2025 Committees

2025 Biennial Conference
Co-Chairs – Cassondra Armstrong (South Florida Water Management District), Treda Grayson (US Environmental Protection Agency), and Frank Reilly (LMI)
Develops the theme for the next biennial conference and oversees a large committee of volunteers that develop the scientific and attendee experience programs and ensure the conference is safe, welcoming, and inclusive.

Affiliate Society Presidents
Chair – Jason Stutes (David Evans and Associates, Inc.)
Consists of Affiliate Society representatives and improves coordination, communication, and sharing of knowledge across the Affiliate Societies and between the Affiliates and CERF.

Career Development and Education
Chair – Janet Nestlerode (US Environmental Protection Agency)
Determines ways that CERF can assist members at all career stages, disciplines, and affiliations to achieve their career goals by developing programming for the next biennium to meet those needs.

Coastal Design Competition
Co-Chairs – Jori Erdman (James Madison University) and Tiffany Troxler (Florida International University)
Seeks financial support for and develops the Coastal Design Competition concept into a robust biennial program that builds capacity of an underserved community near the site of the biennial conference and provides transdisciplinary coastal resilience training.

Development and Sponsorship
Chair – Anne Giblin (Marine Biological Laboratory)
Identifies and secures sources of revenue to ensure long-term sustainability CERF that supports CERF's mission and members.

Finance and Investment
Chair – Erik Smith (University of South Carolina/North Inlet-Winyah Bay NERR)
Provides oversight of the Federation's financial status and makes recommendations to the Governing Board about CERF’s investment asset allocations and financing activities.

Inclusive Culture Council
Co-Chairs – Allison Fitzgerald (New Jersey City University) and Johnny Quispe (The Nature Conservancy)
Oversees all diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility activities of CERF to ensure coordination and constant improvement.

International
Chair – Alfonsina (Kena) Romo-Curiel (The University of Texas Marine Science Institute)
Works to engage members and non-members who are based outside of North America.

Nominations and Leadership Development
Chair – Leila Hamdan (University of Southern Mississippi)
Develops mechanisms to identify and cultivate current and future CERF leaders and recruits and recommends nominees for the next board election.

Policy and Advocacy
Chair – Scott Martindale (Southern California Coastal Water Research Project)
Develops activities to meet CERF’s mission of translating science to policy and management.

Publications and Communications
Co-Chairs – Jenni Pollack (Harte Research Institute/Texas A&M Corpus Christi) and Courtney Schmidt (Narragansett Bay Estuary Program)
Works to coordinate all CERF publications and to improve and promote our publications and communication to maximize impact of the work of CERF.

Webinar
Chair – Anna Braswell (University of Florida)
Identifies the theme for the next biennium's webinar series, recruits speakers, and promotes and moderates the webinars.

Short-Term Task Forces

CERF Publications Editors

CERF's Up! 

About CERF Committees and Volunteer Opportunities

As a member-driven organization, CERF relies on volunteers to develop and implement the majority of its programming. Committees and volunteer service are critical to the functioning of the Federation and are important pathways for leadership development. The Governing Board intentionally seeks to form committees with diverse membership in line with our values and diversity statement, create equitable opportunities for participation and leadership, minimize known barriers to participation, promote a welcoming environment, and provide meaningful and rewarding volunteer opportunities. The Governing Board is responsible for ensuring committee work is implemented effectively and responsibly to advance the work of the Federation, and volunteer time is valued.

While most committees continue from year to year, CERF has no standing committees per our bylaws. Every two years, the President and Governing Board determine the committees and short-term task forces needed to accomplish the board’s biennial goals, guided by the Visions V Strategic Plan. Committees operate for the two year period between biennial CERF conferences; short-term task forces are intended to quickly address an emerging opportunity or challenge. CERF also offers many “micro-volunteering” opportunities – discrete tasks with a definitive end point that can be done within a relatively short period of time (e.g., 2-3 hours) – for those who would like to volunteer but cannot make a two-year commitment or want to try out volunteering before committing to a larger role.

A call for volunteers is released the summer before each CERF conference for the upcoming biennium; however, we welcome new volunteers at any time! You can contact the chair(s) of the committee you are interested in or email [email protected].