Justin serves as Chief Program Officer at Big Waters Land Trust, where he supports the organization’s efforts across land conservation, public policy, and community engagement. In this role, he contributes to land acquisition initiatives, assists in advancing advocacy at the state and local levels, and works alongside the team to support outreach, education, and land … Read more
Christine P. Johnson is a fifth-generation Floridian who shares the Big Waters’ vision for the human and natural worlds to flourish together. After earning a BS in Business Administration from the College of Charleston and an MBA from the University of Florida, Christine worked in management and consulted with Fortune 500 companies in fields ranging … Read more
Brooke joined Big Waters in August 2024 as Director of Land Protection. She grew up in Fort Myers and developed her deep and abiding love of all things South Florida in the Caloosahatchee and Gulf of Mexico. Brooke earned a bachelor’s in environmental studies from the University of California Santa Barbara, and served in the … Read more
Ray Vinson joined Big Waters as Land Stewardship Manager in November 2025. He grew up in Tampa, spending time with his family in beautiful places like Cayo Costa and Myakka River State Park. After graduating from University of South Florida with a bachelor’s in environmental science and policy he joined Florida State Parks AmeriCorps, where … Read more
Esmeralda joined Big Waters in August 2022 as a Land Steward. She works with our land stewardship manager, Lee Amos, to conserve and steward land across Southwest Florida. Born and raised in Manatee county, Esmeralda ventured to the far northern reaches of North Carolina to earn a degree in Environmental Science & Policy at Duke … Read more
Connie joined Big Waters in February 2021. In her role as the Director of Community Engagement, her responsibilities include overseeing special event management, community education, and relationship development with the community, donors, and volunteers. Connie lived in Hawaii for 15 years where she was truly able to appreciate and connect with nature. She graduated from … Read more
Sarah joined Big Waters in May 2023. As Community Education Manager, she creates engaging experiences that help people of all ages form connections with nature. Sarah grew up in Jupiter, FL, and moved to Manatee County in 2010 to attend New College of Florida. Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies in … Read more
Shalla joined Big Waters in September 2024 as Director of Philanthropy. Together with our dedicated philanthropy team, she is charged with securing the organization’s fundraising revenue required to protect land and water in Southwest Florida forever. Growing up on the banks of the Mississippi River in rural Iowa community, Shalla’s passion and respect for nature … Read more
Dawn Lansing is a Development Officer at Big Waters. She is an experienced fundraiser and grants coordinator with a passion for nature, a strong desire to make an impact, and a dedication to protecting the special places left in Southwest Florida. Her personal and professional lives have been shaped by the deep need to commune … Read more
Molly joined Big Waters in December 2025 as the Database and Donor Stewardship Administrator. In this role, she applies her expertise in data and event management to support the organization’s mission. Growing up on the California coast, Molly developed a strong appreciation for nature and the environment, which ultimately led her to Florida in search … Read more
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