Nicole Faghin is a coastal management specialist affiliated with Washington Sea Grant, an organization dedicated to fostering sustainable use of marine resources. Her professional endeavors are primarily centered around the Puget Sound region, where she engages with waterfront communities. Faghin's work encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, including the preservation of working waterfronts, the mediation of land use conflicts, the addressing of environmental concerns, and the advancement of workforce education.

Brandon Schroeder is an Extension Educator with the Michigan Sea Grant college program, a collaborative effort between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. He is employed through Michigan State University Extension, which forms the other half of Michigan Sea Grant. Schroeder lives and works in Lincoln, Michigan, Alcona County, serving the northern coastal communities of northern Lake Huron. His work primarily involves fisheries, working with commercial fishermen, charter boat fishermen, and the recreational community.

Peter Huston is a filmmaker and active member of the Chamber of Commerce on South Bass Island, Ohio. His professional and personal endeavors have positioned him as a knowledgeable figure in the community, particularly in matters concerning the local waterfront. Huston's engagement with the island's development and his creative background give him a unique perspective on the historical and contemporary issues facing his community. His work in the film industry has likely honed his storytelling abilities, enabling him to articulate the narrative of the island's evolution effectively.

Chris Kellems is a retired sustainable building advisor from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. She is the owner of a company named Sustainable Building Concepts. Kellems has a deep understanding of the history and current issues of her hometown, particularly those related to the waterfront. She is well-versed in the historical significance of Sturgeon Bay as a harbor town with a working waterfront, which was once a hub for shipbuilding, yacht building, and agricultural product port.

Roland Lewis, the president and CEO of the Waterfront Alliance, is a prominent figure in urban planning and environmental advocacy, particularly in the context of New York City's waterfronts. Lewis has dedicated his career to the revitalization and sustainable development of the city's coastal areas. His expertise encompasses a range of issues from urban design to policy reform, with a focus on creating resilient and accessible waterfronts for both economic and recreational purposes.