Adam Mistler is a dedicated professional in the field of ocean conservation, currently serving as the National Outreach Manager for Ocean Conservancy in Washington, D.C. He holds a degree in political science from Boston College and initially moved to D.C. to pursue a career in politics. His early career included an internship with Senator Bill Nelson of Florida, where he was introduced to various environmental issues, including the importance of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic.

Bill Needelman is a professional deeply rooted in the waterfront community of Portland, Maine. He serves as the Waterfront Coordinator for the city of Portland, working within the Department of Economic Development. His role involves policy and development related to the preservation of the working waterfront and the industries that rely on it. His constituents include property owners, their tenants, and the city itself, which owns significant port-related properties and the city's fish pier.

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.

Dave Alexander is the Executive Director of Downtown Muskegon Now, in Muskegon, Michigan. His work is deeply rooted in the community, which is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and is the largest deep water port on their side of the lake in the state of Michigan. Alexander's community is also the largest urban community along that waterfront and the second largest county along that waterfront. His work is influenced by the unique geographical features of Muskegon, including Muskegon Lake, which he describes as defining the community.

Joseph Lane is a dedicated academic instructor hailing from Kalamazoo, Michigan, with a fervent passion for educational tourism and historical preservation. His academic and professional journey has been marked by a deep commitment to connecting people with the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes region. Lane's interest in the historical significance and the architectural beauty of lighthouses has positioned him as an advocate for the restoration and conservation of these iconic structures.

Kathy Evans is recognized for her pivotal role as the environmental program manager at the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission, where she has been instrumental in spearheading environmental initiatives. Her career is marked by a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, particularly in the context of maintaining and revitalizing the working waterfront in Muskegon, Michigan.

Kenneth Walker is a seasoned professional affiliated with NOAA's Office for Coastal Management, where he plays a pivotal role in addressing the complexities of coastal conservation and utilization. His career trajectory has been marked by a deep commitment to the stewardship of coastal resources, reflecting a personal connection to the working waterfront that has been both a driving force and a source of insight in his professional endeavors.

Meaghan Gass serves as an extension educator with Michigan Sea Grant, a collaborative effort that fosters economic growth and protects Michigan’s coastal, Great Lakes resources through education, research, and outreach. In her role, Gass is deeply involved in the Great Lakes region, particularly focusing on the working waterfronts. Her work is driven by a commitment to the understanding and stewardship of freshwater resources.

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.