John Griffin – Program Manager

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As Partnership Coordinator, John works to advance large landscape conservation initiatives in the Chesapeake Bay watershed by convening diverse, multi-disciplinary stakeholders. The Partnership seeks to extend the conservation of large landscapes throughout the region to benefit multiple values, including sustainability; scenic, historic and cultural heritage; working lands; important bio- diversity and wildlife habitat; water quality and supply; and overall quality of life.

John is the former Secretary of Maryland Department of Natural Resources under two Governors, the Deputy Secretary of the department, the General Manager of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, and served as Chief of Staff for Governor Martin O’Malley. He brings decades of experience with resource conservation and environmental protection as well as relationships across the Chesapeake watershed.

John holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Niagara University and Master of Arts in social work from the Catholic University of America. He has five children and three granddaughters and lives in Annapolis with his wife Michele and their twin boys.

Mike Bonnell – Chesapeake Conservation Corps Member

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Mike graduated from Rowan University with a degree in Biology. He is now with Chesapeake Conservancy as part of a year-long Chesapeake Conservation Corps Program. He is working with the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership as a Staff Assistant and Project Manager. He will also be providing assistance to John Griffin, the CCP Program Manager.

When he can’t get outside for hiking and wildlife photography, he spends time practicing bass guitar. He is extremely excited to be working with the Conservancy for the next year.