The MARCO Management Board, staff and partner community bade a fond farewell to MARCO Assistant Director Michelle Lennox this past month. With MARCO for four years, Michelle recently begun work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as an Endangered Species Biologist.
Michelle began with MARCO four years ago as the program’s original and – at the time – only staff member. Single-handedly serving the needs of MARCO’s Management Board and coordinating the shared interests of five different state coastal and ocean management programs, she has been instrumental in advancing MARCO’s growth and reputation. Her efforts helped secure funding that enabled MARCO to expand its capacity to four staff members and a wide range of ocean planning, climate change and marine habitat projects.
Considered as invaluable staff support to the MARCO Management Board and Executive Director, as well as a mentor to new staff, Michelle has been a key figure in the success of the organization to date, forging and strengthening relationships with partners and stakeholders while building a strong and cohesive team dynamic.
Michelle has been responsible for the management and growth of all data and information projects, oversight of grants and budgets and has represented MARCO in a wide range of fora and public engagement efforts.
Her support also helped to establish the Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Body (MidA RPB) and roll out the Mid-Atlantic region’s ocean planning process, where she has been a key figure in the development of the Regional Ocean Assessment (ROA), providing support and coordination among the RPB and expert consultant team.
The MARCO team is disappointed to lose such a valuable asset to our efforts, but is excited for Lennox in her new opportunity. We wish her all the best at NOAA and are confident that great things lie ahead for her and for all who are privileged enough to work with her.
Thank you for everything Michelle!
MARCO commemorated Michelle Lennox’s (on right) hard work and lauded her efforts during the public Forum on Ocean Assessment and Data Syntheses Products held in Dewey Beach, Delaware on Jan 29th. Also in photo: Laura McKay, MARCO Management Board Chair (left) and Kate Killerlain Morrison, MARCO Executive Director (center)