Two New Additions to the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2019
Two New Additions to the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program
The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) announces the hiring of Sherry-Lea Bloodworth Botop to serve as Deputy Director of the program and Katie Dylewksi as Project Manager. Bloodworth Botop has served as Director of Economic and Community Development for the City of Fairhope since 2017. Dylewski graduated from Auburn University with a M.S. in Horticulture and was employed by the University for five years.
Bloodworth Botop returned to the Alabama Gulf Coast in 2017 from Washington D.C. where she led the national foundation for the American Institute of Architects. She served on the first White House Innovation team under the president’s Climate Action Plan and from this work was selected to participate in Harvard University’s National Preparedness Leadership Initiative which she completed in 2015. She received the Points of Light Award for her recovery and rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Katrina.
“I look forward to working with Sherry-Lea in partnership with MBNEP. She is one of the most positive, collaborative people I’ve worked with”. Mayor Karin Wilson of Fairhope
Katie comes to the MBNEP having played a key role in developing the Low Impact Development Handbook for the State of Alabama and the Alabama Smart Yards Program. Her experience with watershed management planning, grant writing, teaching workshops, and stream restoration will serve her well as she oversees and coordinates restoration projects in both Mobile and Baldwin counties.
“Katie Dylewski brings a wealth of knowledge of watershed education, restoration, and problem solving. She was a tremendous asset to Alabama Extension Water Team and will hit the ground running to improve, protect, and restore coastal watersheds as a member of the MBNEP team”. Eve Brantley, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Auburn University & Alabama Cooperative Extension System
The MBNEP has grown in recent years and established itself as a leader in watershed planning and restoration initiatives. “We are excited for Sherry-Lea and Katie to join our team and contribute to building resilient communities through environmental protection efforts recommended in Respect the Connect: A Comprehensive Conservation & Management Plan for Alabama’s Estuaries and Coast. Sherry-Lea’s expertise working with local governments and community development and Katie’s field knowledge of plants and low impact development practices will be invaluable in improving how we manage Alabama’s coastal resources”. Roberta Swann, Director, Mobile Bay National Estuary Program
The mission of the MBNEP is to promote wise stewardship of Alabama’s estuaries and coast. It is a non-regulatory program focused on collective impact by bringing together citizens; local, state, and federal government agencies; businesses and industries; conservation and environmental organizations; and academic institutions to meet the challenges resulting from human impacts on the environment. The MBNEP works with these groups to determine how to best treat the Bay, our associated coastal waters, and their surrounding watersheds to ensure their protection and conservation for our lifetimes and beyond.
Press Release (PDF, 119KB)
