June 24, 2024 — The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is proud to announce the promotion of Molly Dushay to the role of Executive Director. Molly began her journey with NAMEPA as an intern in 2017 and has shown dedication and passion for the organization’s mission. She initially started with NAMEPA as an educator on our Marine Environment Protectors Program for local Boys & Girls Clubs. She transitioned to digital media and communications during the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting NAMEPA’s events virtually and finding new ways to keep communities connected. Molly continued to contribute significantly to NAMEPA’s Education & Outreach efforts by delivering virtual lessons to students across North America.
In 2021, Molly assumed the role of Education & Outreach Director, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership. She oversaw NAMEPA’s internship program, expanded the Education & Outreach Team, and successfully reached over 20,000 people in 2023 alone. Her efforts advanced maritime education in primary and secondary schools through partnerships and resource sharing, as well as enhancing public and student environmental stewardship and ocean literacy and marine environmental awareness for maritime personnel.
This year, Molly led the launch of NAMEPA Regions which seeks to deepen the connections in key maritime centers for furthering the NAMEPA values of stewardship, sustainability and support. Houston and Washington, DC have already benefitted from this initiative, with LA/Long Beach scheduled for August, South Florida in September, New England in October and the New York region in November.
As the newly appointed Executive Director, Molly will play a crucial role in driving NAMEPA’s strategic growth through enhanced membership engagement and strategic alliances. She will collaborate closely with the Board of Directors to oversee NAMEPA’s strategic planning, business development, and operational excellence. Molly’s leadership will ensure that NAMEPA continues to fulfill its mission.
“While Molly arrived as an intern, she has grown into a leader with vision, passion, and commitment to NAMEPA” stated Carleen Lyden Walker, NAMEPA Co-Founder and CEO. “She exemplifies the dedication NAMEPA delivers to Save Our Seas. With her added leadership, NAMEPA will achieve new heights in serving the maritime community, the public, and the marine environment.”
SHIPPINGInsight 2023: R to L – Anuj Chopra (NAMEPA Board, ESG+), Rachel McCloskey (NAMEPA), David Cummins (Blue Sky Maritime Coalition), Olmedo Farfan (Wärtsilä), and Jan-Willem Van Den Jijssel (NAMEPA Board, Cargill)
“I am incredibly honored and excited to take on the role of Executive Director at NAMEPA,” said Molly. “I am deeply grateful to Carleen Lyden Walker, , as well as NAMEPA’s Board of Directors for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I look forward to working with our dedicated team and partners to further NAMEPA’s mission and continue our important work of promoting maritime industry best practices and educating the public to Save Our Seas!”
For more information about NAMEPA and our initiatives, please visit www.namepa.net
