Coastal Society Honors Sea Grant’s Schiavinato

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Katie Mosher, North Carolina Sea Grant, 919-515-9069, kmosher@ncsu.edu
Judy Tucker, The Coastal Society, 757-565-0999, coastalsoc@aol.com

Posted Friday, November 7, 2014

The Coastal Society has presented its Distinguished Service Award to Lisa Schiavinato, North Carolina Sea Grant’s, law, policy and community development specialist.

The announcement came this week as part of the society’s joint meeting with Restore America’s Estuaries, held in Washington, D.C. Among others honored by the society was Brian Smith of North Carolina State University.

Schiavinato is completing a term as society president, a role she also held in 2011-12. Co-director of the N.C. Coastal Resources Law, Planning and Policy Center, she has been part of The Coastal Society’s leadership since 2006, including terms on the board of directors and as conference chair.

The award cites her “unwavering commitment and dedication” to the society. “Lisa is not afraid to step up to fill a gap in volunteer leadership — and to make the tough decisions needed to keep the organization moving forward,” notes executive director Judy Tucker.

Tom Bigford, president-elect of the society agrees. “Lisa has always been quick to solve problems, to make a difference. We’ll miss her leadership in TCS but look forward to her coastal contributions for years to come.”

Jack Thigpen, extension director for North Carolina Sea Grant, notes Schiavinato’s interdisciplinary focus has been a good fit with the society. “She brings back to North Carolina Sea Grant varied perspectives and important contacts regarding critical issues for our ecosystems and communities.”

Smith was awarded the society’s President’s Award for “exceptional service to the Coastal Society and commitment to the coastal leadership development and to professional development of coastal management professionals at all career levels.” He is a senior partnership developer for industry alliances at NC State. Previously, he worked with the Coastal Services Center in Charleston, S.C., part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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