Board Biographies

A green frog sits camouflaged in lush green tall grass surrounded by water.

MEET OUR 2025-2027 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Diana Walden photo.DIANA WALDEN, PRESIDENT

Diana serves as a Senior Environmental Scientist with the BSC Group, focusing on wetland ecology and wildlife. She has a B.S. in Environmental Studies and Biology and an M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation. Previously, she served as the AMWS Vice President and Treasurer.

David Cowell photo DAVID COWELL, VICE PRESIDENT

David Cowell is an Associate Senior Wetland Scientist at Hancock Associates. He has over 25 years of professional ecological consulting experience in the fields of wetland science, wildlife biology, and restoration ecology. David holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco and a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation from UMASS Amherst. He is a certified Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP), and Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB). In addition, he is an active member of the Association of Massachusetts Wetland Scientists Wildlife Committee.

Brittany DiRienzo photoBRITTANY DIRIENZO, SECRETARY

Brittany is the Conservation Administrator for the Town of Yarmouth. With a background in forest and wetlands ecology, ecological restoration, and conservation land management, she is a certified Associate Ecologist and a CERPIT. Her education includes an M.S. in Forest Ecology from Clemson University and a B.S. in Environmental and Ecological Science from Elon University.

David Gorden photoDAVID GORDEN, TREASURER

Dave is a Board Certified Environmental Scientist, a Certified Professional Soil Scientist, and a Certified Wetland Scientist with PEER Consultants, P.C. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Soil and Water Resources from the University of RI and a Master of Science degree in Plant and Soil Science from the University of MA. Additionally, Dave chairs the AMWS Networking Committee. He previously served as Secretary.

Stacy MinihanephotoSTACY MINIHANE, IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Stacy serves as a Principal with Beals and Thomas, Inc., leading the Planning and Environmental Services discipline. She is a PWS and MVP Certified Provider. Her experience includes addressing local, state, and federal environmental land use entitlement. Previously, Stacy served as the AMWS President and Secretary. She also serves on the Boards of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions and the Environmental Business Council of New England.