The New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) has announced an expanded community partnership strategy designed to deepen relationships with schools, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and families across southeastern Connecticut and beyond. Leading this next phase of growth is the appointment of Dr. Cinda P. Scott as Executive Director of Education & Outreach. As NESS celebrates its 25th year of inspiring confidence, curiosity, and connection through ocean-based experiential learning, the organization is making a strategic investment in how it serves communities by building stronger partnerships, expanding year-round educational opportunities, and increasing access to transformational experiences for young people and families. Grounded in one of NESS’s Core Values, InclusiveNESS, the expanded strategy reflects the organization’s belief that every young person deserves access to high-quality experiential learning that fosters confidence, academic success, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the natural world. “As we celebrate NESS’s 25th year, we’re thinking not only about how far we’ve come, but about how we can deepen our impact in the years ahead,” said NESS Founder & CEO Spike Lobdell. “Cinda brings an extraordinary combination of marine science expertise, experiential education leadership, and a genuine commitment to building strong communities. Her experience and understanding of NESS make her uniquely positioned to help us strengthen partnerships and expand opportunities for students throughout our region.” Cinda brings more than 25 years of leadership at the intersection of marine science, experiential education, conservation, and community engagement. She previously served as Co-Director of the Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus and as an Adjunct Professor of Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island, where she helped lead a global network of more than 300 researchers, practitioners, and educators advancing social equity in ocean governance. Previously, Cinda spent more than a decade as Center Director of The School for Field Studies’ Center for Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies in Panama, overseeing experiential education programs while managing academics, research, operations, community partnerships, and conservation initiatives. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, Indigenous communities, schools, and research institutions to create educational opportunities that connect science with community needs. Her own path into marine education began with an experiential learning experience as a student. During a semester abroad in Golfito, Costa Rica, Cinda discovered the power of learning through direct experience and developing a deep connection to place. That experience helped shape the career she has built around marine science, education, conservation, and ocean equity. “Experiential learning has the power to change lives,” said Dr. Cinda P. Scott. “Whether a student is exploring a coral reef in Central America or the shoreline of southeastern Connecticut, every student deserves the opportunity to learn by doing, build confidence, and develop a lifelong connection to the ocean.” Cinda is also a familiar face to many in the NESS community, having previously served on the organization’s Board of Directors. Her connection to NESS dates back to 2021, making her transition to the organization a natural next step. “I’m thrilled to officially join NESS. The organization is uniquely positioned to provide world-class ocean education while strengthening communities through experiential learning,” Cinda continued. A key focus of Cinda’s work will be strengthening NESS’s role as a trusted, year-round community partner. This includes expanding educational access, developing deeper collaborations with local organizations, creating new pathways into marine science and environmental education, and ensuring that NESS programs continue to evolve alongside the needs of the communities they serve. Among these priorities will be accelerating NESS’s long-term investment in New London, working with educators, families, community organizations, and civic leaders to increase opportunities for students while building on the strong partnerships already established throughout the city. Throughout her career, Cinda has brought together scientists, policymakers, educators, and coastal communities to develop collaborative approaches to marine conservation and education. She now brings that same partnership-centered approach to NESS as the organization expands its reach throughout southeastern Connecticut. Cinda’s appointment reflects NESS’s continued evolution as both an educational organization and a community partner. By investing in leadership focused on collaboration, accessibility, and long-term relationships, NESS is strengthening its ability to serve students, families, educators, and communities for generations to come. ABOUT NEW ENGLAND SCIENCE & SAILING For 25 years, the New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) has inspired confidence, curiosity, and connection through ocean-based experiential learning. Since 2002, NESS has served nearly 50,000 students through hands-on programs that combine marine science, sailing, adventure sports, and environmental stewardship. Guided by its Core Values of Experiential Learning, InclusiveNESS, Personal Growth, and Stewardship, NESS partners with schools, families, and communities throughout New England to help students of all ages build confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and a lifelong connection to the water. To learn more, visit NESSF.org.
NESS Expands Community Partnership Strategy, Appoints International Marine Science Leader to Advance Educational Opportunities
As a member of NESS’s executive leadership team, Cinda will strengthen educational partnerships, advance strategic initiatives, and identify new opportunities to increase community impact. Her leadership will help guide collaboration with schools, civic leaders, higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic partners throughout the region, with a particular emphasis on expanding NESS’s long-term presence and partnerships in New London.Dr. Cinda P. Scott, NESS Executive Director of Education & Outreach
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