Our Team
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Calusa Waterkeeper Staff & Contractors
John Cassani
Calusa Waterkeeper
John’s professional career as an ecologist started here in Lee County in 1978 after receiving degrees in Biology and Fish and Wildlife. From 1978 to 2014 he worked as a resource manager for local government, managing waterways of Southwest Florida. He has authored both peer-reviewed scientific publications and popular media sources on resource management, history, water policy and conservation issues. His service on advisory boards, his commitment to community and involvement with land and water conservation has led to recognition from various civic groups, Including the Florida Audubon Society, Estero Bay Agency on Bay Management, Lee County Government, the Everglades Coalition, the American Fisheries Society, and the Alberta provincial government. In November 2016, John accepted the position of Calusa Waterkeeper, a member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance.
Cindy Swisher
Administrative Coordinator
Originally from Ohio, Cindy spent most of her life in Michigan. In 2007 she left the Great Lakes for Florida’s Gulf coast. Cindy and her husband, Keith, have seven adult children and nine grandchildren. In 2019, after a 40-year hiatus, Cindy graduated from the University of South Florida. She is committed to the support and defense of our waterways and the guarantee of clean water for all.
Robin Serne
Director of Engagement and Advancement
Robin is a graduate student in the FGCU Environmental Studies program, focusing on conservation and nonprofit management. She is an avid birder and enjoys exploring the local ecosystems by hiking and paddling often. Before moving to Florida for graduate school, she worked at a wildlife hospital in coastal North Carolina. Robin is excited to work with Calusa Waterkeeper to increase engagement with volunteers, collaborators, and the local community working to restore our waterways.
Julie Althaver
Fundraising and Donor Relations
Julie Althaver joins the Calusa Waterkeeper team as an experienced fundraiser. A graduate of Michigan State University, Julie has been a fundraiser and communication professional for more than ten years, securing millions of dollars in individual, corporate, and foundation gifts for academic institutions and nonprofit organizations. She has implemented and managed several multi-faceted fundraising appeals during her career, including annual and endowment campaigns, major and planned giving programs, and special fundraising events.
Board Officers
Jim Watkins
President
Kathy J. Cookman
Vice President
BS, CSTR, CAISS, EMT-P, FMNP, CWKR
Born in 1959, Kathy grew up in central Ohio and has a passion for manatees. For several years, she was a Docent and “Manatee Coast” Region Leader at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. She is a Florida Master Naturalist, Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger, a volunteer of CROW and co-owner of Manatee & Eco River Tours.
Ruth Watkins
Treasurer
Ruth Watkins has over 30 years experience working for water quality-focused environmental organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Much of that time was spent coordinating with agencies, local governments and diverse groups to undertake multifaceted projects to protect vulnerable water resources.
Jason Pim
Secretary
Jason is a Southwest Florida native, business owner and boater. With roots in Cape Coral since 1972, the Pim family enjoys regularly sailing and fishing throughout Florida and the Bahamas. Over the years, Jason has become increasingly active in working to conserve local waterways and lands, advocating at a variety of coalitions, citizens groups and governing bodies. Jason hopes to ensure future generations enjoy the unique natural resources he experienced while growing up in the SWFL outdoors.
2021-2022 Board of Directors
Manuel Aparicio IV, PhD
Director
Chuck Avery
Director
As a construction executive, Chuck lived and worked where great rivers, the Colorado, Mississippi, and the Nile, had major impacts on peoples lives. Now retired, he kayaks the Estero Bay, Spring Creek, and the Gulf. A member of numerous environmental organizations, he co-founded his community Eco Club in order to get residents aware and involved in local issues.
Brandi Couse
Director
Solemi Hernandez
Director
Mother to two wonderful young boys, who motivate her ongoing environmental justice work, she is enrolled as a Political Science student at FGCU and has been a grassroots activist and community organizer for years. She volunteers for organizations advocating for the environment and Everglades restoration, and is inspired to create the political will for climate solutions.
John Paul
Director
John R. Paul, III is a fourth-generation citrus farmer and owner of Car Two Citeu Brokerage and Paulopolis Natural Products. He also manages properties for various uses such as agriculture and industrial. John Paul is a maverick, determined to be both an agriculturalist and an environmentalist. John Paul served as the president of CRCA/Calusa Waterkeeper from April 2015 to April 2017.
Bruce Rueben
Director
Bruce is an avid fly fisherman and kayaker currently living in Fort Myers, Florida with his wife, Kim Hostetler. They have six children and three grandchildren. Bruce was born in Richmond, Virginia and spent most of his life there. He earned his degree at Virginia Commonwealth University and an MBA at the University of South Carolina. His career in healthcare advocacy, representation, and policy began in Virginia and progressed to becoming President/CEO of the Hospital Association in Maine, Minnesota and finally Florida, where he served until retiring in 2020.
Howard Simon
Director
Nikki Tinsley
Director
Committees
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Board Advisory Committee
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Executive Committee
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Finance and Fundraising Committee
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Nominating Committee
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Legal, Regulatory and Policy Advocacy Committee
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Membership, Volunteers and Interns Committee
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Program and Events Committee
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