SBEP Staff

David Tomasko, Ph.D., Executive Director

David Tomasko

Dr. Dave Tomasko has more than 30 years of experience in water quality assessments and the development of science-based natural resource plans in the Gulf of Mexico and international locations. He holds a Ph.D. in biology from the University of South Florida, a Master of Science in marine biology from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Old Dominion University. Dr. Tomasko was also the first-ever SBEP Program Scientist.

Jay Leverone, Ph.D., Program Scientist

Jay

Dr. Jay Leverone is the staff scientist for the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.  Previously, he was a research scientist at Mote Marine Laboratory, studying the ecology of west Florida estuaries, characterizing estuarine habitats and how they are impacted by physical disturbances and water quality degradation.  Later, he turned his attention to restoring local shellfish populations, particularly scallops and oysters. Dr. Leverone developed improved techniques for enhancing populations of bay scallops along the Florida Gulf coast and has led the way in restoring local oyster reefs.

In 2007, he received his Ph.D. from USF College of Marine Sciences where he studied the effects of red tide on early life stages of local shellfish.  His current focus as SBEP scientist has been habitat restoration. Recent projects include wetlands at the FISH Preserve in Cortez, stormwater ponds and conveyances at GT Bray Park in Bradenton, and artificial reefs in Sarasota Bay.

Heather Moody, Operations Manager

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Heather has a wide range of experience in the public and nonprofit sectors that includes water policy and planning, program and facility management, and environmental outreach. She began her career as an animal keeper and educator in zoological parks and progressed to become Director of Environmental Education at a natural history museum in Atlanta. She then took the plunge into water conservation and protection through positions working for a large water utility in Georgia and the South Florida Water Management District in West Palm Beach. Most recently, she worked for Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation as manager of a nature center and preserve.

A Florida native, Heather grew up in Brevard County on the central east coast. She has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Central Florida and a Master’s in Public Administration from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University. As the Operations Manager for SBEP, she is responsible for overseeing financial and organizational operations, managing projects, and coordinating with funding partners. As time allows, she enjoys assisting with outreach events and field work to support SBEP's programs and projects.

Megan Barry, Public Outreach Manager

Megan Barry Headshot 2

Megan is a native Floridian with a personal connection to Florida's environments, wildlife, and communities. She has a master's degree in Global Sustainability from the University of South Florida and a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and Policy from Florida State University. Before Megan joined SBEP, she worked as an exhibit designer for a coastal conservation center and as an outreach specialist for Sarasota County's Neighborhood Services Department.

As the Public Outreach Manager, Megan oversees SBEP's Bay Partners Grants program, interfaces with the SBEP Citizens' Advisory Committee, organizes volunteer events, and develops multimedia content for the program. She is motivated to connect people to Sarasota Bay through inclusive programs, creative storytelling, and a robust network of partnerships.

Cheryl Dexter, Executive Assistant

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Cheryl Dexter fell in love with Sarasota in 1988 and for decades made it her adopted home while living in Connecticut, raising her child, and enjoying a long career as a court reporter with the Hartford Judicial Branch. In 2013 she finally made the permanent move to Sarasota, where she entered into employment as a Deputy Clerk with Sarasota Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, working with Sarasota County administration, before joining the SBEP team in 2016. She spends her free time on or near the water, exploring all that Sarasota has to offer, with Lido Beach being her favorite spot.

Christine Quigley, Public Outreach Specialist

headshot of Christine Quigley

Christine has an interdisciplinary background in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, and Management. She has worked on research and outreach initiatives for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, and the Environmental Defense Center. In addition, she has provided communication and marketing consultation to environmentally focused startups.

Christine holds a master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from the Bren School at the University of California, Santa Barbara and a bachelor’s in Marine Biology from the University of Miami. She joined SBEP in October 2016. Christine is originally from Chicago but grew up going to the beaches of Sarasota and Naples as a child. She enjoys all of the opportunities to kayak, swim, and surf in her “backyard”.