Team Staff

A native of Tuscaloosa, William began his career in the field of environmental engineering before moving into the faith-based non-profit sector.

William graduated from the University of Alabama where he earned a BS in Civil Engineering with a focus on water issues. He played football under Nick Saban at Alabama, winning two national championships during his time there. He is currently pursuing a Master’s of the Arts in Missional Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary.

William’s love for nature and an understanding of humans’ place in it were instilled in him from an early age by his late grandfather, Bill, a conservationist and outdoorsman. He hopes to pass that love on to his three young children. He brings to the organization a passion for process and excellence gained during his time under Saban at Alabama.

Cassie grew up in the Phenix City, Alabama/Columbus, Georgia area. Despite being fairly landlocked, she always harbored a passion for estuarine, coastal, and marine science. At LaGrange College, she earned a B.S. in Biology with minors in Servant Leadership and Sustainability, and recently completed a M.S. degree in Marine Conservation and Resource Management at the University of South Alabama. After graduating, she worked as a Lab Manager/Technician at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, where she processed Arctic cruise samples of phytoplankton communities.

As the Staff Scientist at Mobile Baykeeper, Cassie collaborates with stakeholders in our community to incorporate diverse technical expertise to inform the work we do. She also stays up-to-date on research and findings that guide our programmatic decision making towards successful outcomes.

Cassie is passionate about making scientific information both tangible and accessible to communities who are directly impacted by environmental concerns and inspiring them to become engaged in making our watershed a healthy and sustainable resource. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, traveling when she can, scuba diving or fishing, and baking for friends!

Cade grew up on Guntersville Lake in north Alabama. After earning his B.S. from Auburn University, he took a position with the U.S. Forest Service as a wilderness restoration intern in Washington state. However, sweet home Alabama called and Cade returned to work on his M.S. at Auburn University. He has completed all coursework and will receive his M.S. upon completion of his thesis.

After getting married, he followed his wife to her home in Baldwin County and has been exploring the treasures of the Gulf Coast since. In his spare time, Cade likes to kayak and bike with his wife and snow-ski whenever he can. Cade is thrilled to have the opportunity to work for the citizens of the Alabama Gulf Coast and preserve the environment of this majestic area.

Kistler, who served as Mobile Baykeeper’s Program Director for six years, now fills the Baykeeper role previously held by Casi Callaway.

Shalela Dowdy is a native of Mobile, Alabama. She graduated from Murphy High School in 2008 and continued her studies at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she graduated in 2012 with a B.S. in American Legal Studies (pre-law). She holds a  M.A in Leadership Studies and is currently pursuing her Juris Doctorate at Southern University Law Center.

Shalela served six years on active duty as an Air Defense Artillery Officer and currently holds the rank of Major in the Army Reserves as a Military Academy Liaison Officer. Shalela is very active in the City of Mobile. She is the 2nd Vice President of the Mobile Branch of the NAACP, and the Founding President of Stand Up Mobile, a non-partisan voter education and advocacy organization.

As a Community Organizer at Mobile BayKeeper, Shalela brings her background of developing and implementing strategies to engage and empower communities through outreach and education, creating and managing projects that promote community building, and building partnerships with other organizations.

A Mobile native, Caine is the former editor in chief of American Songwriter magazine. Prior to music journalism he covered Virginia politics and the financial services industry for various publications. Caine holds a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia and an M.A. in Journalism and Public Affairs from American University. In his free time, he enjoys kayak fishing in the Delta and rocking out with his band Bearhead.

As Communications Director, Caine reports to Baykeeper’s community of members and volunteers – as well as the public at large – on issues critical to the health of the Mobile Bay Watershed. He is the editor of Baykeeper’s quarterly print magazine, CURRENTS.

Born in Birmingham, Cece has spent her adult life pursuing a love of rivers and oceans up and down the East Coast. She holds B.A.s in International Affairs and French from Skidmore College in Upstate New York and spent her time in school studying the sustainability of international fisheries. A former intern at Baykeeper, Cece worked for Patagonia and Athleta (both certified B Corps) before joining the Baykeeper staff. In her free time, Pless enjoys all things “life aquatic,” all things Wes Anderson, and you can be sure to find her on the trail with her dog Styx.

As the Major Donor Advisor, Cece is responsible for recruiting and courting sponsors, spearheading fundraising, membership, major donor, and volunteer events, and developing the Baykeeper Brand through community partnerships.

Emilee Foster was born in the Port City, but grew up in Leakesville, Mississippi and graduated from Greene County High School. She obtained her B.S. in International Studies from Spring Hill College in 2018 and began as an intern at Mobile Baykeeper that summer. She jumped at the chance to continue her service to the Bay through AmeriCorps. In her free time, Emilee likes to shop and go to the white, sandy beaches of Coastal Alabama. She also likes to spend time with her family and English Bulldog, Princess.

As the Operations Director, Emilee is responsible for assisting the Executive Director in carrying out Mobile Baykeeper’s mission. She manages office operations, the Executive Director’s calendar, the Board of Directors and Leadership Committee, reports and correspondence, documents and financial solvency, and the membership database.

The waterways around the Mobile Bay area are home for Wesley Wyatt. Born and raised in the Azalea City, Wesley graduated from St. Paul’s Episcopal School and then attended The University of Alabama, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunication & Film with a specialization in Media Production. After school, he began working in advertising and marketing, but wanted to apply his efforts toward working for clean water, clean air, and healthy communities. Wesley’s work serving the Mobile Bay area began early in his life, volunteering to serve meals to the poor and elderly with his grandmother, mother, sister, and brother. He explored the Delta, rivers, and creeks with his father, who showed him the vast importance of conserving our state’s natural resources.

As the Fundraising & Stewardship Strategist at Mobile Baykeeper, Wesley’s duties include membership, donor and board development, new member outreach, database management, and fundraising. His hobbies and interests include boating, fishing, and relaxing on the water, whether it be the Delta, the Bay or the Gulf; reading and writing; photography; Alabama Crimson Tide football; random trivia; and finding new shows and movies to enjoy.

Born in Phoenix, Valerie Longa spent her childhood in the states of Arizona, Virginia, and Rhode Island before moving to Alabama as a teenager. She has called Mobile home for 20 years and earned a B.A. in Integrated Communications from Spring Hill College. Valerie’s 12-year career has focused on Alabama’s environment while working with the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, Alabama Coastal Foundation, WildNative Tours, and Nature Connect Outdoor School.

Growing up she spent many days playing in the forests and creeks in her neighborhood, as well as attending and then working as a counselor at a summer camp on the coast of Rhode Island with water skiing, sailing, and windsurfing. She built a strong connection to the natural world and has carried that into her work by helping others to reconnect and develop their relationship with the local environment. Along with her daughter Chloe, and husband Justo, she enjoys time in the outdoors exploring this amazing place we call home.

As the Education Director, Valerie is creating the next generation of stewards by providing meaningful experiences on our local waterways. She is developing a new environmental education plan for Mobile Baykeeper, crafting experiential education programs, and leading the Americorps Education Team.

Born and reared in Mobile, Luke comes to his role as Government Affairs Director for Baykeeper after serving in Montgomery as an attorney for the Alabama Legislative Services Agency and as Chief of Staff for the Minority Leader of the Alabama House of Representatives. With additional experience in Washington and in Alabama’s city halls and county seats, Luke aims to build and leverage relationships to foster proper long-term environmental stewardship within our systems of government.

Luke earned degrees from the University of Alabama (B.A., History) and the University of Alabama School of Law (J.D.), and is a member of the Mobile Bar Association.

Luke is an Eagle Scout and avid outdoorsman, and enjoys kayaking and hiking in the beautiful slice of creation that is Alabama. When they’re not outdoors, he and his wife, Jayme, enjoy household cooking competitions and doting upon their faithful feline companions.

A native of Birmingham, Treasure knew early on she was drawn to the allure of the ocean. Her journey into the world of marine science began with summers spent at Dauphin Island while studying at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Here, she found herself enchanted by the beauty and biodiversity of the Mobile area’s coastal ecosystem. These experiences ignited a deep-seated passion for understanding and protecting our marine environments. After earning her BS in Biology with a Concentration in Marine Science, she took a leap of faith and moved to Coastal Alabama. She now spends her free time going to the beach, hanging out with friends, or recreationally surfing.

As Volunteer Organizer at Baykeeper, Treasure works to mobilize volunteers by facilitating their engagement with the organization, and ensuring that volunteer activities run smoothly and effectively. Her primary responsibilities include recruiting volunteers, coordinating schedules and tasks, communicating effectively with volunteers, providing support and guidance, evaluating volunteer experiences, and recognizing volunteers for their contributions.

Nicole grew up in Northern California in the valley of the Sierra Nevadas. She came of age learning the importance of environmental protections while hiking, camping, and discovering new swimming holes all over the region. After spending a few years in the Midwest and parts of the South, Nicole now resides in Baldwin County with her husband and two young children.

Nicole has worked as a professional administrator for the majority of her adult life in various fields, working to learn new industries and using her skills to help those in the community that need it most. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, experiencing new cultures, creating art, aiding with community events, and being outdoors with her family.

As the Administrator at Baykeeper, Nicole is responsible for grant acquisition through the Americorps program, member and grant compliance, grant management and aiding in the overall improvement of the program.

Charith Denson grew up on the Oregon coast, where she enjoyed surfing as a teenager and playing in the tides. Her grandfather owned a commercial fishing boat and her dad built custom-sport fishing boats, so she got her sea legs early in life.

Charith graduated from George Fox University, where she earned a BA in Communications. At Baykeeper she works as the Director of Content Strategy and Implementation, where she designs branded content and serves as the organization’s brand guardian.

In her free time she enjoys working as a mixed-media artist in the folk idiom, and exploring the Southwest with her family in their Scamp travel-trailer. She paddle-boards and kayaks whenever she gets the chance. She loves experiencing new places through the food scene and culture, with a special fondness for Vietnam and India, due to the sensory experiences they afford.

Vanessa Cochran hails from Atlanta. She has a BA in English from the University of Georgia and a Master of Arts in Professional Writing from Kennesaw State University. Vanessa moved to Mobile in 2009 and discovered her knack for grant writing while working for Feeding the Gulf Coast. In 2020, Vanessa joined the Mobile County Health Department to manage federal grants and support the COVID-19 pandemic response.

As Grants Manager, Vanessa brings a decade of expertise in researching grant opportunities, writing grant applications, managing grant awards from the pre-award process through closeout, and coordinating with stakeholders at all levels. Outside of the office, Vanessa enjoys paddling in Mobile Bay and surrounding waterways with her husband, two daughters, and Ziggy the Brittany Spaniel.

Mellonie grew up in Enterprise, Alabama, and her career began as a Hospital Lab Technician. Later, she pursued a career in Hospital Information Technology at CPSI, in Mobile. She earned an associate degree in applied science from George Wallace Community College.

Mellonie enjoys spending time outdoors birding, paddle-boarding, gardening, and exploring nature wherever she is. Recently, she received a Mississippi Master Naturalist Certification to enhance her knowledge of natural resources and to help serve communities through outreach and service.

As the Facility Manager, Mellonie is responsible for overseeing reception services, coordinating building maintenance, and managing IT support. Her support to the Operations Director is essential in ensuring a smooth and efficient operational workflow.

Originally from Wisconsin, Kayla spent her childhood exploring the natural lakes and stream systems of her home state. She earned her BS from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Applied Science with a concentration in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology where she conducted research investigating the possible causes of colony collapse disorder in honey bees as well as the cellular impacts of Black Crappie Sarcoma, a fish disease impacting the crappie population throughout Wisconsin.

She earned her PhD from Auburn University in Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, studying how adverse environmental conditions impact oyster energetic use in the Gulf of Mexico through laboratory work and field work. Although her dissertation research primarily focused on oysters, she was also actively involved in research projects that investigated native Alabama crayfish species responses to thermal stress.

As Oyster Project Manager, her goal is to improve the quantity and quality of oyster reefs in Mobile Bay through targeted applied research and community outreach. Her favorite pastimes are hiking through the nature trails around Mobile and Baldwin counties, playing disc golf, and enjoying oysters on the half-shell with family and friends.

Morgan, originally from Schertz, Texas, moved to Mobile in 2020 to pursue her academic career at the University of South Alabama. She graduated in the spring of 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in biology with a concentration in Marine Sciences, and a minor in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Her academic journey included hands-on experiences, including a SWIM internship and a Field and Research Americorps term with Mobile Baykeeper. These roles empowered her to actively contribute to local conservation initiatives, solidifying her dedication to environmental stewardship.

Currently serving as a field and research intern, Morgan continues to explore her passion for conservation and research. In her spare time, she enjoys playing sports, listening to music, shopping, and finding the best places to eat.

A native of Athens, Alabama, Taylor graduated from the University of South Alabama in 2022, with a B.A. in Business Administration. Surrounded by nature as a child, she grew to appreciate the unique biodiversity of Alabama and knew she wanted to do something to protect it. She joined the Baykeeper team to help educate others about what’s happening at the environmental level and how to come together to make changes that help preserve our wildlife and habitat.

She harbors a strong passion for environmental justice, recognizing that certain communities are disproportionately affected by climate change and other environmental hazards. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, cooking, and gardening.

Ella grew up in a small town in North Alabama called Hanceville. Although she grew up far from the beach, she always had a love for it. Ella knew that she was going to work in marine sciences from a young age. She graduated in 2021 from high school and a program called Fast Track through Wallace State Community College where she got both her high school diploma and her associate degree in applied science. Ella then transferred to the University of South Alabama where she continued her education.

Her undergrad academic experience at South included courses at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and a study abroad research experience in Belize. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in marine science in 2023. She is now pursuing a master’s degree in Marine Conservation and Resource Management with her graduation set for May 2025.

Ella currently works as a field and research intern where she is continuing to investigate her interests in conservation, advocacy, and outreach. As part of the seagrass team, she is learning about how water clarity and nutrient inputs affect the growth and survivorship of submerged aquatic vegetation. Outside of working, her interests include gardening, reading, swimming, and going to concerts.

Rachel (Ray) moved to Fairhope in 2009 after spending her early childhood near coastal areas in New York and South Carolina. She quickly realized how lucky she was to live in the special place that is Mobile Bay. Inspired by where she lived and by her favorite children’s author, Suzanne Tate, Ray knew from a young age that she wanted to be one of the “helpful humans” from Tate’s nature series who protect and nurture animals, plants, and environments that have no way to advocate for themselves.

Ray graduated from Jacksonville University where she earned a BS in Geography, Sustainability, and Environmental Planning with a specialization in Sustainability and Resiliency. While at Jacksonville University, she often used real world examples from Mobile Bay in her research projects. Now that she is back in her beloved hometown, Ray spends her free time outside exploring the delta, bays, and beaches by day and gathering friends to appreciate the local music scene by night.