Committee Descriptions
Government Affairs, Glenn Wood, Esq. (Rubin & Rudman LLP), Chair
The Government Affairs Committee is a liaison between AMWS and appropriate government agencies. AMWS provides a scientific basis for policy considerations, either formally as a representative on technical advisory committees or by providing public comment.
Responsibilities for this committee include:
- Organize and host one event (workshop, webinar, networking, etc.) annually
- Identify members for technical advisory committees (as applicable)
- Provide regular updates on legislation/policy changes and proposals to the BOD and membership
- Write 2 articles for the newsletter annually
Membership, Chair Position Vacancy
The Membership Committee, in conjunction with the Board of Directors, seeks to attract and retain members from the environmental community through social media outreach and coordination with the Newsletter and Networking Committees. Responsibilities for this committee include:
- Organize and host one event (workshop, webinar, networking, etc.) annually
- Actively seek new members, especially young professionals, through recruitment events
- Regularly post on the AMWS social media pages
- Write 1 article for the newsletter annually
Newsletter, John Rockwood, Ph.D. (EcoTech, Inc.), Chair
The Newsletter Committee is responsible for creating the AMWS newsletter. Responsibilities for this committee include:
- Collect and edit articles for 4 annual newsletters (seasonal)
- Identify upcoming events from AMWS and other related organizations
Program & Education, Scott Smyers (Oxbow Associates), Co-Chair
Breeka-Li Goodlander (Town of Franklin), Co-Chair
The Program & Education Committee presents workshops on wetland delineation, botany, bankfull, coastal geology, soil science, wildlife, state and federal regulations, as well as professional ethics. Course content ranges from entry-level to refreshers for seasoned wetland scientists. Responsibilities for this committee include:
- Work with BOD to develop and organize workshops
- Organize and host one additional event (workshop, webinar, networking, etc.) annually
- Make regular posts on the AMWS social media pages
- Collect photos from event organizers and participants
- Write 1 article for the newsletter annually
Ethics, Colin Duncan (Environmental Design and Research), Chair
The Ethics Committee serves as a guide or “conscience” for our members by offering a 10 point Code of Conduct, illustrative AMWS newsletter articles, and a variety of workshops on professional behavior in accordance with the State Ethics Commission. Responsibilities for this committee include:
- Organize and host one event (workshop, webinar, networking, etc.) annually
- Write 2 articles for the newsletter annually
- Regularly update the AMWS Code of Conduct
- Work with BOD and membership to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within AMWS and the industry at large
Professional Networking, Dave Gorden (PEER Consultants), Chair
The Networking Committee organizes opportunities for members and other environmental professionals to network socially, learn about career advancement, and share expertise. Responsibilities for this committee include:
- Work with BOD to develop and organize workshops
- Establish and maintain partnerships with other related organizations, including MACC, MSMCP, SSSNNE, and SWS
- Make regular posts on the AMWS LinkedIn page and encourage member engagement
- Write 1 article for the newsletter annually
Wildlife, Scott Smyers (Oxbow Associates), Chair
The Wildlife Committee keeps members informed about updates to MESA, the NHESP, MassWildlife, ESA federally-listed species, and wildlife habitat as a regulated interest in the WPA. Additionally, AMWS workshops feature habitat evaluation per MassDEP guidelines and the identification of tracks, bones, and scat. Responsibilities for this committee include:
- Organize and host one event (workshop, webinar, networking, etc.) annually
- Write 2 articles for the newsletter annually