About Us

The National Marine Life Center is a Cape Cod-based nonprofit that rehabilitates stranded sea turtles and marine mammals with the goal of returning healthy animals to the ocean.

Our work also supports marine wildlife science, public education, and a deeper understanding of the animals that live in and migrate through New England waters.

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Mission, Vision, & Values
History
What We Do
Leadership
Board of Trustees

Mission

The National Marine Life Center rehabilitates and releases stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in order to advance science and education in marine wildlife health and conservation.

Vision

The vision of the National Marine Life Center is to be a leader in marine wildlife rehabilitation, conservation science, and STEM education.

Values

The Trustees, Staff, and Volunteers of the National Marine Life Center believe in humane care for stranded marine animals, thoughtful science that improves our understanding of wildlife health, and quality education programs that promote a conservation ethic. We carry out our work with respect for each other, our supporters, our partner organizations, our community, and the environment.

Our History

In 1995, a group of visionaries gathered to address the significant environmental need of a hospital to care for these stranded animals, many of whom are endangered and all of whom are federally-protected species. And thus, the National Marine Life Center was born.

We honor and thank our founding board, especially founding chair Elizabeth Hornor and her successor Townsend Hornor, for their tremendous efforts to get the National Marine Life Center off the ground. We continue to work tirelessly to build and implement their vision.

Founding Board

Joseph Carlson
Dr. Joseph Geraci*
Betsy Hornor*
Townsend Hornor*

Sallie Riggs
Michael Stusse
Brad Towle*
Patsy Towle*

*Deceased

NMLC founder Elizabeth Hornor

“Betsy” Hornor

Townsend Hornor

“Townie” Hornor

Our Mission Pillars

Cold stunned turtle intake

Rehabilitation

Turning crisis
into a second chance.

Cape Cod is a stranding hotspot. NMLC cares for sick and injured sea turtles and seals, helping them recover and, whenever possible, return to the ocean.

Explore Rehabilitation
Doctor at NMLC

Science

Turning care
into knowledge.

The animals treated at NMLC offer a rare opportunity to better understand marine wildlife health, disease, treatment, and the challenges they face in the wild.

Explore Science
NMLC volunteer Lisa Meeks talking to audience about rehabilitation of Sea Turtles and the role NMLC plays

Education

Turning curiosity
into care.

Through public learning and outreach, NMLC helps people understand marine animals, the threats they face, and why conservation matters.

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Making-Their-Way

Discovery Center

Bringing you closer
to the mission.

Explore exhibits, specimens, and hands-on activities that show how stranded marine mammals and sea turtles are rehabilitated and why that work matters.

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Leadership

Dr. Williams

Sea Rogers Williams, V.M.D.

Science Director & Attending Veterinarian

Sea Rogers Williams, V.M.D.

Sea Rogers Williams is an aquatic and companion animal veterinarian who lives on Martha’s Vineyard with his life partner, Bridget Dunnigan, MS, DVM, who is also an aquatically trained veterinarian. They live with their three dogs, two cats, and five birds where they enjoy hiking, kayaking, and international travel to explore the world’s avifauna. They own and operate the Vineyard Veterinary Clinic in Edgartown. Currently employed by the National Marine Life Center, Dr. Williams started his aquatic training during vet school at the University of Pennsylvania by attending AquaVet® and AquaMed® courses and participating in the Aquatics club. After a few years in companion animal and mixed animal practice Dr. Williams added more formal training, completing a clinical internship at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

Upon moving to the Vineyard he realized that there was no on-island veterinary stranding program. Roger and Bridget have been the primary responders to over a hundred marine mammal and sea turtle strandings as volunteer veterinarians working under the Stranding Agreement of the New England Aquarium. In 2002 they accepted a split position as veterinary medical officers for NOAA Fisheries and as the veterinarians for the Woods Hole Science Aquarium. They responded as government veterinarians to strandings, marine animal transports, and provided the veterinary care for the aquarium’s collection of seals, fish, and invertebrates. They helped re-establish a sea turtle rehabilitation program at the aquarium in coordination with the New England Aquarium. In 2007 they left the aquarium and Dr. Williams accepted the position of director of science, and in 2008 as the attending clinical veterinarian, for the National Marine Life Center.

Dr. Williams has a long established interest in infectious disease, particularly parasitic interactions, occurrence, and disease. Dr. Williams has published scientific articles in the fields of fish ophthalmology, marine mammal hematology, sea turtle pathology, infectious disease, and parasitology.

Dr. William's Bio
Gen Devine

Genevieve Devine

Discovery Center Manager

Genevieve Devine

Gen first connected with the National Marine Life Center as an undergraduate at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where she served as an Intern and Volunteer for several years, gaining hands-on experience in animal care, education and administrative work. That early experience set her on a path devoted to marine science and conservation. She interned at the New England Aquarium's Quincy Animal Care Center and served as a NOAA Hollings Scholar, focusing on Dolphin Strand Feeding Conservation and Education. She also served with Cape Cod AmeriCorps, working with the Sandwich and Mashpee Departments of Natural Resources on conservation area management and shellfish propagation. In Hawaii, she served as a Fisheries Technician with the State's Division of Aquatic Resources, combating aquatic invasive species and conducting benthic surveys as a certified Scientific Diver. Along the way, Gen also built a career in hospitality and operations management, leading front-of-house teams and event operations at restaurants and cultural venues. Today, she brings both sides of that experience together as NMLC's Discovery Center & Education Programs Manager, where her hospitality background supports the visitor experience alongside her science background shaping educational programming. Gen holds a bachelor's degree in Marine Safety Environmental Protection, with a minor in Marine Biology, from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and completed her Master of Science in Marine Conservation Biology from Unity Environmental University in April 2026. Outside of work, she is a certified yoga instructor who enjoys gardening, camping, kayaking and skiing, and shares her home with her husband, three dogs, two cats, and more than 50 houseplants.

Genevieve's Bio

Board of Trustees

Jay Munsey

Jay Munsey

Chair

Jay Munsey

Jay has a bachelor’s degree from The University of New Hampshire in Zoology and a master’s degree from The University of Vermont in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Postgraduate, Jay was the Director of Student Activities & Residential Life at Wentworth Institute of Technology. During his tenure at the school, he also coached the college women’ basketball team. Prior to retiring in 2018, Jay worked for compound development companies in sales, HR and partnering with Dupont on specialty compound promotion. One of his favorite customers was L.L.Bean where a better tan sole on their iconic Bean Boot was developed for better wear & tear and chemical resistance. Upon retiring in 2018, Jay has volunteered at the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) on dolphin stranding rescue & Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. He’s walked the beaches in November & December searching for & driving cold stunned turtles to the New England Aquarium Rehab Center in Quincy and the National Marine Life Center (NMLC) in Buzzards Bay. In 2024, Jay was asked, by the then Executive Director of NMLC to apply to join the Board of Trustees, where he currently serves as Chair. In addition, Jay also is the volunteer Assistant Coach for Boys Basketball at Upper Cape Technical High School.

Jay's Bio
Jackie Driscoll

Jackie Driscoll

Vice-Chair

Jackie Driscoll

Jackie began volunteering with the National Marine Life Center in 2016 and joined the board in 2021. She has contributed in many ways, including as an Animal Care Volunteer, HR Advisor, and Trustee. Jackie volunteers with Massachusetts Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, supporting its world-class sea turtle rescue program by patrolling local beaches in search of cold-stunned sea turtles and transporting them to rehabilitation facilities. She has volunteered with domestic animals, seals, and sea turtles at several organizations, combining her love for animals with her commitment to making a difference. Jackie holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s in Organizational Management, and has built a nearly 20-year career in Human Resources. Deeply passionate about conservation, she can often be found enjoying the ocean, kayaking on the Bass River, and picking up litter to help keep local waterways clean.

Jackie's Bio
Mary Neumann

Mary Neumann

Secretary

Mary Neumann

Mary has been a Board member since 2009. She was born in Brockton, MA, graduated from Plymouth Carver High School, then Boston College and Columbia Business School. She spent her entire career at Citigroup in lending and credit risk management roles across various industries and geographies, retiring in 2017 after 42 years. Mary’s hobbies/interests are gardening, travel and biking. NMLC is dear to her for its work to rehabilitate and release turtles and seals and educating the public about marine conservation. Mary has been on the boards of several not for profits; NMLC is far and away the most rewarding one.

Mary's Bio
Jill Gisholt

Jill Gisholt

Jill Gisholt

Jill Gisholt is a conservation advocate with a background in veterinary medicine and a lifelong passion for wildlife. Her interests are rooted in the interconnectedness of animal health, biodiversity, and resilient ecosystems, with a particular focus on marine mammal rehabilitation, sea turtle conservation, and environmental education. Drawing on her veterinary background, Jill is especially interested in the intersection of science, conservation, and public engagement, helping foster meaningful connections between people, wildlife, and the natural world. She believes lasting conservation depends not only on research and rehabilitation, but also on inspiring curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Her other passions include volunteering with ski patrol in Vermont and spending time outdoors with her family and animals.

Jill's Bio
Kim Grant

Kim Grant

Kim Grant

Kim is an award-winning marketing and outreach campaign manager with more than 10 years of experience. She holds a BA in Journalism and has a background in event planning. Inspired by the story of Snow Cone—a North Atlantic right whale who gave birth while entangled in fishing gear—Kim is deeply committed to raising awareness about the challenges facing marine life. Motivated to make a difference, she moved to the coast to support conservation efforts and also volunteers with the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA). Kim looks forward to supporting the National Marine Life Center’s mission through outreach, education and fundraising initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys bicycling along the coast, exploring new places and observing anything wild—especially whales and seals.

Kim's Bio
Stella Kafka

Stella Kafka

Stella Kafka

Stella Kafka, PhD, CAE, is a seasoned nonprofit executive and international thought leader with extensive experience guiding mission-driven organizations through strategic growth and transformation. She has led major scientific and professional associations, enhancing governance, building financial stability, and expanding global partnerships. A strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, she has initiated efforts to develop more accessible and impactful programs. As a Board Member of the National Marine Life Center, she applies her proven leadership, strategic insight, and passion for conservation to support the Center’s mission of marine animal rehabilitation, science, and education.

Stella's Bio
Melissa Kaye

Melissa Kaye

Melissa Kaye

Melissa is an experienced non-profit executive with a passion for organizing community members to create lasting change. Following her own lifelong love for the ocean and the wildlife within, her late son’s interest in saving local marine mammals spurred her to continue his efforts by serving on NMLC’s Board of Trustees.

Melissa works full time as the President and Executive Director of Joshua Kaye Foundation. In her free time, she loves to feed people, spend time in the garden with her husband and their dogs, and as many days as possible with her kids- usually at the barn or the beach.

Melissa's Bio
Jerry Kazanjian

Jerry Kazanjian

Jerry Kazanjian

Jerry has more than 20 years of practice advising clients, including non-profits, in intellectual property, technology, and corporate law. A graduate of Boston College with degrees in physics and law, Jerry is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Supreme Court. Beyond his professional work, he is deeply committed to community service and, in addition to his membership on the NMLC Board of Trustee, serves as General Counsel for the Hopkinton Scout Leaders Association and supports organizations such as The Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Jerry's Bio
Gary Lunsford

Gary Lunsford

Gary Lunsford

Gary is a lifetime advocate for wildlife conservation and the wellbeing of animals in professional care. With a tenured career centered around zoological operations and public service, he has professional experience with the care and conservation of a broad spectrum of taxa through his work with Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited organizations in Canada, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Texas. He has a particular passion for imperiled aquatic species ranging from invertebrates to turtles, pinnipeds and polar bears

Gary's Bio
Lisa Meeks

Lisa Meeks

Lisa Meeks

Lisa Meeks retired in March 2014 after a career with the federal government. She has been an animal care volunteer at the National Marine Life Center since 2014. She also volunteers for Massachusetts Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary with their sea turtle rescue program and Diamondback Terrapin monitoring program. As a resident of the south shore, she has done invasive plant removal, habitat restoration and property upkeep at some of Mass Audubon’s Southeast sanctuaries. Her volunteer activities extend to several other local organizations that focus on wildlife conservation and land protection. In her free time, she enjoys tennis, tai chi and wood working.

Lisa's Bio
Vinny Pircio

Vinny Pircio

Vinny Pircio

Vincent Pircio is an outdoorsman with a love for fishing. Vincent approaches his work with the same focus and dedication he brings to the water—patience, strategy, and a drive for results. As a seasoned Branch Manager, he has led teams, built strong customer relationships, and driven growth by balancing operational excellence with personalized service. Outside of work, he is dedicated to the National Marine Life Center, where he enjoys volunteering to support marine animal rehabilitation and ocean conservation.

Vinny's Bio
Amber Salvage

Amber Salvage

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Amber moved to Cape Cod in 2015 to live closer to family and, during that transition, started volunteering with the National Marine Life Center. That experience led her to AmeriCorps Cape Cod and into a career in natural resources, which she worked in for nearly seven years. During her time as Shellfish Constable for the Town of Dennis, she also sat on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Shellfish Officers Association. She later spent three years on the Town of Plymouth Conservation Commission, where she reviewed local projects to help protect the town's wetlands. Amber currently works in fundraising as a Database Administrator at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole. She holds a BS in Biology from the University of South Florida and a graduate certificate in Aquaculture and Fish Health from the University of Florida. In her free time, she enjoys wildlife photography, gardening, being outdoors, and spending time with her two dogs, Ruby and Chloe, and her cat, Darwin.

Amber's Bio
Dana Doderberg

Dana Soderberg

Dana Soderberg

Dana graduated from Northeastern University in 1989 with BS in Accounting. Presently Dana is the CFO for a $100 million company while also overseeing 70 on road vehicles, 30 forklifts , $10 million in inventory and $7 million in receivables. Dana grew up in Bourne and has been happily married to Leann for 33 years. Leann and Dana have 2 daughters. Dana has managed the second largest solar farm on Cape Cod since 2012 (5,800 ground mounted panels), managed the construction budget, net metering, and selling of SREC’s. Leann and Dana have had solar panels on their house since 2018 with no electricity payments since 2018. Dana is a proponent of recycling, reduction of plastic usage, electric vehicles, protecting the ozone, reducing sound pollution and all pollution in general. He is a firm believer in science and global warming. He enjoys bird watching, learning about mammals, fish, and how humans interact with them. Dana has also worked (and still does) on several non-profit organizations. Dana is a positive person who is grateful for what life has given him and what he has achieved. He is hard working, fair, empathetic, and believes that all humans are equal. Animals are treated as inferior by many people, and this belief needs to be corrected. Animals have been here on Earth long before humans and need to be treated with respect.

Dana's Bio
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Career Opportunities at NMLC

Interested in joining the team? Explore current openings and future opportunities to support NMLC’s mission.

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