Leadership

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

Craig Wallace, Chairman

In the early 70's, Craig lived in Melbourne and had such fond memories of fishing, clamming and sailing in the Lagoon that he always wanted to retire here, which he did in 2016, just in time to experience the massive Brown tide induced fish kill. In search of a solution to the Lagoon's failing health, Craig began volunteering and learning from the Brevard Zoo's Restore Our Shores program, the Marine Resource Council, Keep Brevard Beautiful, Brevard County SOIRL Citizens Oversight Committee, UF/IFAS, and Florida Tech, gaining knowledge and working to restore the Lagoon's health. These experiences eventually lead him to join The Brevard IRL Coalition in 2020 serving as Liason to the Coalition Partners. Craig is a Retired Electrical Engineer and Marketing Manager who worked in the Communications Industry in Florida for 40 years. In 2022 he was elected to Chairman of the Board.

Vince McDermott, Secretary

For more than 50 years, Vince has recognized the need for community interaction by applying principles that create livable communities while sustaining environmental quality. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Connecticut Greenway Commission for his pioneering work in the greenway movement in Connecticut. Throughout his career, he has served on boards of non-profit organizations dedicated to research, education, and advocacy for the conservation of land and water resources. A resident of Indialantic, he recently became a Certified Florida Master Naturalist. Vince joined the Brevard IRL Coalition in 2020.

Vince Lamb, Treasurer

Vince is a founding member of the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition and served as Chairman in 2020 & 2021. He is also served as Chairman of Florida Wildflower Foundation and was a founding board member of the Friends of the Carr Refuge. Vince also serves on the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program Management Board, is a Director of the St Johns Riverkeeper and the Headwaters Advisory Council, and is on the board of the Brevard Zoo and the Aquarium Task Force. A Florida Native who has lived on the Southern tip of Merritt Island for 46 years, Vince retired after a long career in computer technology and became increasingly active in environmental matters, including hands-on conservation activities like nesting sea turtle walks, Florida scrub jay and red-cockaded woodpecker recovery projects and paddling Florida’s waters, as well as environmental advocacy activities such as leading the Political Action Committee to promote passage of the half-cent sales tax to protects and restore the Indian River Lagoon.

Dr. Chris Edwards

Dr. Chris Edwards is a Biological Dentist with a degree in Naturopathy, he practices in Viera. His interest is in toxicity and its effect on the microbiome of the mouth and body. He supports the initiative for clean water and a healthy non-toxic lagoon biome in the IRL, where he sails and kayaks regularly. Chris joined the Brevard IRL Coalition in 2022.

Dennis Mayo

Dennis grew up in Iowa and moved to Florida in 1983. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and later pursued a degree in Graphic Design in Florida. After retiring from a software company, he began volunteering with various non-profit organizations focused on the Indian River Lagoon and the environmental challenges it faces. He has also been active in the Florida Master Naturalist Program to help promote their mission to promote awareness, understanding, and respect of Florida's natural world.

Tyler Provoncha

Tyler is the Conservation Manager at Brevard Zoo. A Florida Technology graduate, As an experienced field technician, Tyler manages (among other programs) the significant Restore Our Shores Program, bringing together scientific knowledge and volunteer opportunities to continue to make a meaningful difference in the health, habitats and future of the Indian River Lagoon.

Advisory Committee Members

Wayne Mills

Founding member of Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition and the Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County. Former Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Marilyn Waters

Leslie Maloney

Mary Dru Bowman

 

Program Administrator

Casie Farrell