Who We Are

Ed Sherwood became TBEP’s Executive Director in 2018 after serving as the Program Scientist since 2008. Ed is responsible for maintaining TBEP’s strong interlocal partnership and continuing the bay’s science-based restoration and recovery strategies. He directs TBEP’s technical and public outreach initiatives and serves as the primary policy liaison between its many public and private partners. Ed holds a B.S. degree in Marine Biology from the University of West Florida, and a M.S. degree in Marine Fisheries and Ecology from the University of Florida. In his spare time, he enjoys boating on the bay and travelling with his wife and two kids.

Maya manages habitat restoration and water quality improvement projects; facilitates the Technical Advisory Committee, the Tampa Bay Nitrogen Management Consortium, and the Tampa Bay Climate Science Advisory Panel; and distills Tampa Bay research for decision makers and resource managers. Previously, Maya coordinated the Agency on Bay Management and worked as an environmental planner for the Southwest Florida Water Management District. She is a graduate of New College of Florida (Political Science & Environmental Studies). Outside of work, you’ll find her enjoying a sunset sail, wading in a creek, or relaxing with a good book.

Marcus develops data analysis and visualization methods for bay health indicators. He received his B.S. in Zoology from the University of Florida in 2007 and his M.S. and Ph.D in Conservation Biology from the University of Minnesota in 2009 and 2013. Marcus has experience researching environmental indicators and developing open science products to support environmental decision-making. Marcus is also an avid software developer and creator of online dashboards that facilitate science communication. Outside of work, Marcus enjoys exploring the Tampa Bay area with his wife, son, and their dog.

Sheila facilitates the Community Advisory Committee and coordinates community engagement through  participatory science and Give-A-Day for the Bay volunteer events. Sheila previously managed the Seagrass and Water Quality Monitoring Programs and Community Outreach Program for Sarasota County. She received a B.S. in Plant Science from the University of Florida and an M.S. in Conservation Biology from the University of South Florida. Outside the office, you can find Sheila backpacking along the National Scenic Trail System or paddleboarding through mangrove tunnels found along Tampa Bay.

Jessica manages the Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund and Bay Mini Grant Programs, while also facilitating the Manatee Awareness Coalition. She earned a B.S. in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston and has worked with agencies and nonprofit organizations across the southeastern US.  She brings a diverse background in marine research (fisheries, harmful algal blooms, sea bottom mapping), project management, legislative policy, and environmental justice to support the Program’s work. Jessica spends her downtime paddleboarding in the bay, volunteering with nonprofits, exploring parks across the state, and pretending to be a foodie.

Kerry works with partners to support habitat restoration; manage design, research, and monitoring projects; and identify relevant ecological indicators.  Previously a marine fisheries research scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Kerry spent 18 years studying fish community dynamics and how different life stages of fish use estuarine and coastal habitats. Kerry holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Florida State University and a M.S. in Biology/Coastal Zone Studies from the University of West Florida. Kerry spends her free time camping, kayaking, and hiking with her husband and two sons.

Blake focuses on the human dimensions of conservation across Tampa Bay and creating pro-environmental behavior change that benefits nature and society. Using his interdisciplinary background, Blake works with partners throughout the watershed to design and implement research projects and social marketing campaigns that span the fields of psychology, ecology, economics, and political science to address modern conservation challenges. He holds a B.S. in Biology and Ecosystem Science and Policy from the University of Miami, a M.S. in Biology from the University of Antwerp (Belgium), and a Ph.D. in Conservation Science from the University of Queensland (Australia). Outside of the office, he teaches environmental decision-making for the Harvard Extension School and enjoys painting, writing, and spending time on the beach with his dog.

Carly manages the organization’s social media, website, newsletter, and media presence to promote the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and its activities. By building awareness of the program, she strives to engage the public to help protect and restore this beautiful resource we call home. Carly was previously a Public Information Specialist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, working with environmental partners to share scientific research with the public and other state agencies. She has degrees in Communications and Marine Biology from the University of Alabama and spends her spare time doing aerial arts, kayaking, teaching acroyoga, and outdoor exploring.

Jill is responsible for accounts payable and receivable, financial reporting, monthly reconciliations, budget forecasts, and annual audits. Prior to joining the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Jill worked for Tampa Bay Watch and various private sector businesses. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering and stewarding for nesting seabirds and sea turtles, hanging at the beach, kayaking Florida rivers and bays, bicycling, and reading.