Meet our BOARD of Directors
Coastal Action is overseen by a diverse Board of Directors, who provide oversight, guidance, and strategic direction to the organization.
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Michael Allen
Michael has been a long-standing member of the Board of Directors. He has a background in aquatic ecology and multi-stakeholder consultation relative to watershed and land protection/ management. Michael enjoys life on the South Shore with his family, being active in his local community area, as well as coaching sports; and he has an addiction to maple syrup. |
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Wanda Baxter
Originally from the Kingston Peninsula, NB, Wanda lives and works on an old farmstead in Lunenburg County with her long-time partner Randy, their gregarious cat George, and an ever-changing assortment of wildlife. She has a varied, interdisciplinary background, as indicated by graduate degrees in both English (UNB) and Environmental Design (U of Calgary), and continuing education in adult education, wildlife-vehicle collision prevention, and public policy. Since moving to Nova Scotia in 2001, Wanda has worked and volunteered for many non-profit environmental organizations, primarily in environmental awareness and outreach programming roles. She is the author of two books, is a long-time member of the band Cut, Split and Delivered, and is happiest rollerblading, running, or working in the garden or woods. Wanda has watched Coastal Action grow exponentially over the last 20+ years, and she is proud to be part of its continuing evolution. There is much left to do. |
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Julie Power
As a former senior Coastal Action employee, Julie is honored to now serve on the Board of Directors. Her experience working for environmental non-profits and charities, and her direct knowledge of the work of Coastal Action, will allow her to support the organization from a unique perspective. During her time working with Coastal Action, Julie developed a deep appreciation for its mission – an appreciation that will guide her contributions as a Board Member. In her current role at CarbonRun, Julie feels fortunate to work at the forefront of climate innovation, particularly with emerging technologies like River Alkalinity Enhancement. Julie is genuinely excited to contribute to this cutting-edge approach to carbon dioxide removal while maintaining her connection to Coastal Action's community-based environmental work. When not working or engaged in Board activities, you’ll likely find her sailing, hiking local trails, or connecting with fellow sustainability advocates. Julie is grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting Coastal Action's important work and learning from the dedicated team and community members who make our initiatives possible. |
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Shawn Feener
Shawn Feener is a proud Mi'kmaw Knowledge Holder from the Kespukwitk district of Mi'kma'ki, now calling E'se'katik (Lunenburg, NS) home. Currently serving as the Mi'kmaw Education Coordinator with the South Shore Center for Education, Shawn is deeply committed to sharing cultural teachings and inspiring the next generation. With a diverse educational background that includes a Diploma in Wildlife Conservation Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation, a Bachelor of Education, and three years toward a graduate degree in freshwater fish ecology, Shawn brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to every endeavour. He also leads cultural workshops on traditional medicine harvest and processing, and shares teachings on Netukulimk and Etuaptmumk (“two-eyed seeing”). Shawn’s greatest goal in life is to support Mi'kmaw and Indigenous youth on their journey to success, whatever form that success may take. By fostering critical thinking and sharing a deep love for learning, culture and nature, Shawn is committed to inspiring young environmental scientists to contribute to the resilience and health of their communities. |
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Amanda Montgomery
Amanda Montgomery has had several careers, most recently as a public interest lawyer. Previously, Amanda worked with non-profit organizations in community gardening, food security and poverty alleviation. Amanda is a keen naturalist, a life-long birder, and an avid gardener. She lives in Mahone Bay with her husband, son, and posh rescue cat, where they are working hard to transform their small piece of the world into a haven for humans and non-humans alike. |
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Kacy Petersen DeLong
Kacy Petersen DeLong has served on the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Council since 2020 and is in her second term. She is a passionate champion of environmental and social issues, and is a community organizer and solution builder. Fifteen years ago, she fell in love with a local farmer and moved to Lunenburg County (all the way from Halifax) where she now lives with her husband, son, and miscreant cat. Kacy is happy to be involved with Coastal Action and hopes to help foster enhanced communication and coordination between government and non-profit organizations like Coastal Action toward protecting our environment. |
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Jillian Weldon-Genge
Jillian is a Regional Forester for the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. In this role, she helps coordinate forest harvest approvals and engages with the Crown Land working group to ensure consistency in inspections and monitoring. Jillian is dedicated to maintaining the forest certification program for the Mersey Woodlands, ensuring sustainable practices are upheld. Jillian has a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from the University of New Brunswick, a Masters in Environmental Studies from Dalhousie University, and over 20 years of experience working in natural resource management. She is also a Registered Professional Forester of Nova Scotia and would like to bring her experience to Coastal Action to help guide programs and data management to ensure research and project outcomes can be tracked and contribute to informed decision making to conserve our natural resources. |
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Kelly Wilson
Kelly has been a Coastal Action Board member for 10 years while also serving on Mahone Bay Town Council. An engineer by training, Kelly brings a practical approach to dealing with environmental issues and as such has served on the Board of a company with 30 megawatts of wind energy production and a 2-megawatt solar array both serving the town of Mahone Bay. |