As we reflect on the conclusion of our 30th anniversary year, we take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to ORP’s Board of Directors for their unwavering dedication to the restoration of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay.
We bid farewell to three extraordinary members whose leadership has been integral to ORP’s growth and success.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ed Rich, Bill Sieling, and Jim Perdue—three pillars of ORP who have guided the organization with exceptional judgment, credibility, and commitment. Together, they represent an astounding 82 years of service. Bill and Ed have been with ORP since 1994, and Jim joined in 2005, shaping ORP from a small nonprofit to the nation’s largest organization dedicated to oyster restoration. Their legacy is profound, particularly in establishing ORP as a science-based, independent organization that focused on its mission to plant oysters and restore the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
We are excited to welcome two new members to the Board!
Amanda Greene is an experienced technology executive with a proven track record of scaling high-growth companies across various industries. She has held leadership roles at Airbnb, Oyster HR, and Blackboard, where she successfully managed global teams and drove significant revenue growth. Amanda’s expertise spans operations, customer experience, and strategic planning. She holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BA in History from Cornell University.
Phil Plack, Founder and President of Annapolis Oyster Company. Phil is a leader in the field of oyster aquaculture in the Severn River who has made significant contributions to local watershed health. He was recently honored with the 2024 Green Heron Award by the Severn River Association for his outstanding efforts, and has been featured in CBS News Baltimore and the Baltimore Banner. Before venturing into oyster aquaculture, he held various analytic and managerial roles in the federal intelligence sector.
We are grateful to both our departing and incoming Board members for their invaluable contributions. Their guidance is essential as we continue to lead the way in utilizing the latest science and innovations to restore oyster populations and improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay.