Big Blue Speakers
2025 Big Blue emcee Chris Gloninger, Senior Climate Scientist at Woods Hole Group, will guide attendees through two days of inspiring and insightful talks related to the blue economy and climate adaptation across the southeast region of Massachusetts.
Emcee
Chris Gloninger
Big Blue Emcee
Chris Gloninger
Big Blue Emcee
Chris Gloninger is a Senior Climate Scientist at Woods Whole Group.
Day 1 Speakers
Paul Niedzwiecki
Speaker
Paul Niedzwiecki
Speaker
Paul Niedzwiecki is the CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation, Inc.
MA Business Alliance for Education
Speaker
MA Business Alliance for Education
Speaker
Kara O'Donnell-Galvin
Panel Moderator
Kara O'Donnell-Galvin
Panel Moderator
Robert Sanborn
Big Blue Host, Panelist
Robert Sanborn
Big Blue Host, Panelist
Roger Forget
Panelist
Roger Forget
Panelist
Cheri Armstrong
Panelist
Cheri Armstrong
Panelist
Amanda Hough
Panelist
Amanda Hough
Panelist
Amanda Hough graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Masters in Education K-12 Administration from American International College. She is currently a Teacher at Mashpee Middle High School in her nineteenth year. She teaches Technology, Engineering, Robotics, Drafting, and Intro to Computer Science at the secondary level. Amanda has been recognized for her innovative efforts in STEM Education including in 2020 as a Teacher of Excellence for Technology and Engineering by ITEEA, in 2019 as the Massachusetts STEM Teacher of the Year, and the 2019 MassTEC Technology and Engineering Teacher of the Year. Her Technology and Engineering Program was recognized as a Program of Excellence Award Winner in 2019 by ITEEA. She is the VEX Robotics Competition Team Coach which is 30 strong and boasts multiple girl powered groups. She is the past President of MassTEC and a member of the following professional organizations ITEEA, NSTA, and ISTE. She has presented at the previous professional organization’s conferences on the following topics EPortfolios for Authentic Assessment of Project Based Learning, SeaPerch ROVS for All 5th Graders, Cross Aged Student Teaching through Robotics, Computer Programming, and Electronics Maker Projects, Creating a Scalable Robotics Program, and Connecting Globally through Engineering Projects. Amanda truly believes in cross age student teaching and collaborates frequently with teachers within her school district to create authentic learning experiences for all students. Amanda makes her home on Cape Cod with her husband Patrick, and four children Ryan, Sean, Ashlynn, and Brendan.
Mark Faherty
Speaker
Mark Faherty
Speaker
Mark Faherty is Science Coordinator of Cape Cod for Mass Audubon/Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Cape Cod Community College
Speaker
Cape Cod Community College
Speaker
Falmouth Public Schools
Speaker
Falmouth Public Schools
Speaker
Undersecretary Ashley Stolba
Speaker
Undersecretary Ashley Stolba
Speaker
Undersecretary of Economic Foundations
Executive Office of Economic Development
As Undersecretary of Economic Foundations for the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Ashley serves to advance the Commonwealth’s mission to foster foundational economic opportunities for residents, communities, and businesses across Massachusetts.
Undersecretary Stolba leads the teams that invest hundreds of millions of dollars in grants for public infrastructure and tax credits for businesses through the Community One Stop for Growth and the new Business Front Door. She oversees the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), which assists businesses relocating and expanding in the Commonwealth, and serves as the secretariat’s climate officer focused on climate infrastructure needs. She works to promote the blue economy through her close collaboration with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, as well as serving as the Vice Chair of the Seaport Economic Council alongside Lieutenant Governor Driscoll.
Prior to joining the Executive Office of Economic Development, Ashley held roles at the Harvard Allston Land Company, the Massachusetts Port Authority, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, and in the Massachusetts state legislature. A native of Mashpee, MA, she is a graduate of the University of Miami and Suffolk University Law School.
Day 2 Speakers
Haley Cote
Speaker
Haley Cote
Speaker
Haley Cote is Cheif of Staff of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.
Mike Barrett
Speaker
Mike Barrett
Speaker
Richard Waldo
Speaker
Richard Waldo
Speaker
A licensed professional civil engineer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Richard brings over 15 years of experience to the public sector, blending technical expertise with a strong background in public administration, holding a master’s degree from Suffolk University. Richard lives on the outer cape in Truro with his partner and their two young children. In his free time, Richard can be found managing his small farm of goats, bee’s, and two legged animals (kids) but ultimately being on a sailboat is when he is at his happiest.
MassDevelopment
Speaker
MassDevelopment
Speaker
Patrick Cassidy
Panel Moderator
Patrick Cassidy
Panel Moderator
Patrick Cassidy is the owner of two Cape Cod-based Blue Economy businesses: Cape Cod on the Fly, a fly fishing guide service; and New England Maritime, a school that provides U.S. Coast Guard- and state-approved courses and testing for mariners seeking a merchant mariner credential or boating safety certification, as well as FCC testing and CPR/First Aid certification.
Patrick serves as a board member on the Fly Fishers International Northeast Council and is a member of the American Saltwater Guides Association. He previously served on the advisory board for EforAll Cape Cod, including a stint as chairman. Before founding Cape Cod on the Fly and buying New England Maritime, Patrick spent 15 years as a reporter and then news editor at the Cape Cod Times, covering offshore wind energy, transportation, and regional government among other beats. He is a three-time New England Newspaper and Press Association Journalist of the Year.
Anne-Marie Runfola
Panelist
Anne-Marie Runfola
Panelist
Andrew Gottlieb
Panelist
Andrew Gottlieb
Panelist
Jennifer Menard
Speaker
Jennifer Menard
Speaker
Jennifer Menard serves as the new Regional Director of the Southeast region, for the Massachusetts Office of Business Development under the Executive Office of Economic Development. Jennifer has an extensive background in economic and business development. In her previous role as Vice President of Economic & Business Development at Bristol Community College, Jennifer provided leadership and vision for operational and strategic planning, with a focus on external affairs, workforce development, corporate training, adult education, and industry collaborations. Jennifer brought the National Offshore Wind Institute, a state-of-the-art offshore wind and maritime training facility, from concept to reality overseeing industry partners and relationships. Jennifer also managed the SouthCoast Development Partnership, an economic development group, that supported a regional approach for business recruitment and development, with a focus on targeted industry sectors. Jennifer led the regional team of chambers, economic development offices, industrial parks and other business-related entities to identify regional priorities and managed a regional business development program, recruiting business to the SouthCoast from sectors such as life sciences, medical devices, tourism, manufacturing, and clean and renewable energy.
Kendra Bennett
Speaker
Kendra Bennett
Speaker
Kendra Bennett has dedicated 14 years to the field of education, bringing passion and commitment to each role and district served. Starting as an English teacher, Kendra inspired middle and high school students across grades 6 through 12 with a love for literature and language. Demonstrating leadership and a deep understanding of curriculum, Kendra advanced to become the Department Chair, where innovative approaches to teaching and learning flourished under her guidance.
After a successful tenure in teaching, Kendra Bennett transitioned into administration, serving four impactful years in leadership roles. Initially appointed as an Assistant Principal, Kendra focused on enhancing school culture and supporting both staff and students in achieving their best. Today, as the proud Principal of Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, Kendra leads with a vision for inclusive education and academic excellence. With experience across three different districts, Kendra brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the vibrant DYHS community.
Brian Braginton-Smith
Keynote Speaker
Brian Braginton-Smith
Keynote Speaker
Loral O'Hara
Special Greeting
Loral O'Hara
Special Greeting
Loral O'Hara is a NASA Astronaut and former WHOI Engineer