RAE Staff
Daniel Hayden
President and CEO
dhayden@estuaries.org
Daniel Hayden joined Restore America’s Estuaries as President and CEO in 2020. He brings more than 25 years of experience as a leader in the private and public sectors. For nearly a decade, Daniel built multi-million-dollar partnerships and programs, and oversaw quality and learning for Rare, an international conservation NGO focused on proven locally-led solutions. In a previous role as senior campaign director at PCI Media, Daniel organized UN Environmental Program’s Webby award-winning “Wild for Life” Campaign generating over 3M pledges and assisted in designing a global campaign to reduce marine plastics (CleanSeas). More recently, Daniel led business operations for Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL) at the UN Foundation.
Daniel earned a BA in Economics and History from Hamilton College cum laude and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management where he has been recognized as an Andrew Youn Impact Scholar. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys being outside with his wife and two children on the water whether liquid or frozen, previously he was Chair of the Board of the Washington Literacy Center.
Ashley Ross
Vice President of Program Administration and Finance
aross@estuaries.org
Ashley Ross is the Vice President of Program Administration and Finance at Restore America’s Estuaries, where she leverages over 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Recognized for her “can-do” attitude, Ashley is a subject matter expert in diverse and complex projects and has a strong reputation for delivering impactful solutions. She has been a sought-after public speaker and trainer throughout her career, sharing her expertise in sustainable environmental practices and non-profit management.
With a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Wildlife Biology, Ashley combines business acumen with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes progressive change and growth, focusing on effective and practical environmental sustainability and management practices that strengthen ecosystem use through stewardship and restoration.
Her diverse background and passion for positive change will continue to drive her success in advancing the Restore America’s Estuaries mission.
Thomas Ardito
SNEP Watershed Implementation Grant Program Director
401.575.6109 | tardito@estuaries.org
Tom Ardito is the director of the Southeast New England Watershed Grant Program for Restore America’s Estuaries. As program director, his goal is to preserve coastal ecosystems through partnerships that restore clean water throughout Rhode Island, Southeast Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the islands of the region.
Tom has an M.A. in marine affairs from the University of Rhode Island and has been working on coastal ecological restoration in New England for about 20 years, including oil spill restoration, Superfund site restoration, dam removal, salt marsh restoration, and storm water management. He has worked extensively in public parks management, focusing on the balance between public use and ecological values, and is interested in fostering environmental justice through restoration of urban environments. Tom lives in North Kingstown, R.I., along the West Passage of beautiful Narragansett Bay.
Shahela Begum
Program Director – Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund
sbegum@estuaries.org
Shahela Begum joins Restore America’s Estuaries as the Program Director for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund. She brings years of experience as an organizer and advocate, working with under-resourced regions in New York City impacted by environmental justice issues. In her past experience, she developed curricula for Wildlife Conservation Society, Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability & Equity, educating coastline communities. At UPROSE, she was the Climate Justice Resilience Coordinator, focusing on resiliency work on the ground while working with various stakeholders in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. As a Program Director at Laal, she created multiple programs in the Bronx, such as a community garden initiative and a civic leadership curriculum through ESL.
Shahela graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Language, & Criticism with a concentration in Race, Ethnicity, & Class Studies from Hunter College and earned a Master’s degree in Environmental Conservation Education from New York University. She obtained her Permaculture Design Certificate from the Center for Bioregional Living and a Permaculture Teacher Training Certification from Earth Activist Training. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the CUNY Graduate Center.
Justus Davis
Grants Administrator
jdavis@estuaries.org
Justus Davis is a proud descendant of the Harrington Gullah Geechee Settlement on St. Simons Island, a Golden Isles community celebrated for its distinctive Maritime Forest Habitat and enduring coastal heritage. Growing up in this rich cultural environment shaped his commitment to community empowerment and environmental stewardship. His professional journey began at the St. Simons Land Trust, where he gained firsthand insight into preserving coastal ecosystems and development operations. Later, as an educator, he witnessed the urgent need to bring resources into underfunded communities—an experience that propelled him toward collaborative grantmaking.
Over the years, Justus has built a strong administrative foundation through grants management, nonprofit consulting, and a broad range of human resources responsibilities, helping organizations optimize their operations and maintain regulatory compliance. He holds a BS in Public Management from the College of Coastal Georgia and an MPA with a specialization in Government Contracting from Troy University. His passion lies in championing collaborative solutions that uplift both people and places.
Kellie Marty
Program Associate for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund
kmarty@estuaries.org
Kellie Marty is the Program Associate for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York where she developed a passion for green spaces in her local urban community. This interest led her to work in her neighborhood at the Gowanus Canal Conservancy where she taught youth about environmental restoration and horticulture. Recently, she worked at the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development as a Data Analyst intern working with QGIS and Datawrapper. She also worked at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy as a Volunteer and Development Associate leading volunteer groups in horticulture and cleanup projects around the waterfront. Kellie graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography. During her free time, she enjoys dabbling in hobbies including sketching, film photography, and crocheting her clothes.
Dr. Philip McAdoo
Inclusive Coasts Initiative Senior Advisor
pmcadoo@estuaries.org
Dr. Philip McAdoo brings a powerful combination of expertise in leadership development, conflict resolution, coaching, and education to facilitate transformative workshops and training on navigating controversial topics.
Before founding his own consulting firm, he served at the Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. Through his consulting work, McAdoo has collaborated with several nonprofits and educational institutions to help them optimize their training, development, and succession planning strategies so that diverse talent is represented.
McAdoo is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in communications studies, holds an MA in transformative leadership from The California Institute of Integral Studies, and earned a Doctor of Education from The University of Pennsylvania in the Graduate School of Education.
Lisette Perez
Program Associate for the Great Lakes Restoration Grant Program
lperez@estuaries.org
Lisette Perez is a passionate environmental educator, originally from the South Side of Chicago. Her journey in the environmental field began at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she discovered her passion through courses like ornithology and dendrology, deepening her understanding of natural systems and setting the foundation for her commitment to conservation. After graduation, Lisette took a leap of faith to expand her exposure and experience, which led her from the “concrete jungle” of Chicago to the Tongass National Forest in Juneau, Alaska—the largest national forest in the U.S., where she worked as an interpretive ranger.
Back in Chicago, Lisette worked with the Field Museum of Natural History on a variety of initiatives, from leading environmental education programs for 3rd to 5th graders in local forest preserves to coordinating native garden projects that foster community and urban biodiversity. Her dedication extended to advancing fair marine policy with the Department of Fish and Wildlife in Newport, Oregon.
Lisette is driven by her passion for fostering resilient communities and hopes to create a future that is both sustainable and fair for all.
Undria Polley
Grant Administrator
upolley@estuaries.org
With nearly a decade of dedicated experience in the nonprofit sector, Undria Polley brings a wealth of financial management and grant administration expertise to her Grants Specialist role.
Undria’s career is marked by a track record of effectively managing multi-million-dollar grant portfolios, including budgeting, policy management, compliance, and financial reporting. Her deep understanding of funder regulations, coupled with a keen analytical mind, has enabled Undria to navigate the intricate landscapes of various grant programs, ensuring precise and timely grant management.
Undria graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a concentration in Corporate Communication from Stephen F. Austin State University. She is currently a member of the National Grants Management Association and Grant Professionals Association.
In her free time, Undria enjoys spending time with her family, especially her nieces, and nephews.
Jesús Sánchez
Program Director – Great Lakes Restoration Grant Program
jsanchez@estuaries.org
Suzanne Giles Simon
Program Director – NEP Coastal Watersheds Grant
413.695.8922 | ssimon@estuaries.org
Suzanne Simon is NEP Coastal Watersheds Grant Program Director for Restore America’s Estuaries. She has spent more than 20 years working on coastal, marine, and estuarine issues in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. An estuarine scientist by training, she started her career at an oceanographic consulting firm in the Pacific Northwest. From 2000 to 2004 she worked in D.C.’s non-profit sector, including a two-year period as RAE’s national policy and science director. A move to Florida prompted a switch back to the private sector, where she once again joined a consulting firm and developed an expertise about Florida’s ecosystems and drinking water issues. She re-joined RAE in 2009.
Suzanne earned a B.S. in biology from Bates College and an M.S. in environmental science with a concentration in marine and estuarine science from Western Washington University. Keeping up with her family provides Suzanne with exercise and entertainment during her “down” time. In those rare moments when she can, she thoroughly enjoys a good book.
Karen Smith
Program Associate
kesmith@estuaries.org
Lance Speidell
Senior Director of Development
lspeidell@estuaries.org
Lance Speidell is the senior director of development for Restore America’s Estuaries, managing RAE’s relationships with current and potential institutional funders. Lance brings twelve years of experience working in corporate and foundation relations for environmentally-focused nonprofit organizations, most recently with the National Parks Conservation Association.
Lance graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in anthropology, and before entering the nonprofit sector spent several years in IT sales and marketing. Having grown up in the Tidewater area of Virginia and having spent many summer vacations in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Lance has a long history with coastal and estuarine areas and a deep appreciation for the value they bring to their communities. In his free time, he enjoys trying to keep up with his two kids and having his heart routinely broken by various D.C. and University of Virginia sports teams.
Hilary Stevens
Coastal Resilience Senior Manager
hstevens@estuaries.org
Hilary Stevens is the coastal resilience manager at Restore America’s Estuaries. She oversees the Blue Carbon and Living Shorelines programs. She is a geologist and environmental scientist with extensive experience in coastal resource management. Hilary has worked on coastal issues and climate change adaptation around the US and globally, with an emphasis on using best-available science to address community needs and improve resource management. She has a particular affinity for island communities, stemming from her time working in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, and as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines. She holds a master’s from Yale University and a B.S. from Wesleyan University.
Brad Williamson
Manager, Government Affairs & Communications
770.714.2764 | bwilliamson@estuaries.org
Brad Williamson is the Manager of Government Affairs and Communications for Restore America’s Estuaries, managing RAE’s policy objectives with stakeholders on the Hill, in the administration, and throughout states.
Brad graduated from the University of Georgia where he earned a degree in Political Science with a minor in Communications. Since graduating, he has spent more than seven years working in both the public and private sector representing the people of his home state and leading advocacy campaigns championing federal projects that reduce emissions.
Brad grew up exploring the woods and coastline of Georgia before moving to DC where he continues exploring the waterways around the city by rowing on the Potomac most mornings.
