ShoreRivers is pleased to announce the addition of new member Steve Masterman to its Governing Board. As a grassroots nonprofit organization, the hard work and support of board members is imperative to the organization’s efforts for thriving rivers on the Eastern Shore.
A lifelong sailor on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, Steve Masterman brings to the board expertise in negotiation and property rights thanks to his career as a real estate consultant for large national and international companies. He is passionate about oyster restoration and has been a long-time ShoreRivers volunteer, supporter, and member of the Choptank Riverkeeper Committee. He currently lives on Broad Creek in St. Michaels with his wife, Pamela.
“I have found that ShoreRivers has a uniquely effective combination of science- based data and information, on-the-water presence’ and legislative savvy,” said Masterman. “I believe there are solutions to many of the challenges facing the Chesapeake Bay, and that this organization could play a key role in those solutions.”
In addition to welcoming its newest member, the board also recently elected its Executive Committee for 2026, which consists of Barbara Lamp, Chair; Gene Lopez, Vice Chair; Frank Lewis, Treasurer; Maura Bollinger, Secretary, and Marian Fry, Previous Chair.
ShoreRivers also celebrated two long-time board members whose terms end this year: Katie Wiacek and Jill Bible. The organization is incredibly grateful to each of them for their years of dedicated service and invaluable contributions.
ShoreRivers extends deep gratitude for the wise counsel, encouragement, and vision of these exceptional community members. See a full list of Board members at ShoreRivers.org/leadership.
ShoreRivers protects Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement. shorerivers.org
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Congratulations to Mr. Masterman on joining the ShoreRivers governing board. His background appears practical and grounded.
ShoreRivers built public trust by focusing on clear water-quality priorities: stopping sludge and industrial pollution and protecting fisheries and swimming waters. In recent years, the organization has shifted toward a legislative agenda targeting septic systems and fertilizer use, putting it in direct conflict with many homeowners and farmers and eroding that trust.
At the February 25th County Council meeting, a ShoreRivers representative urged the county to maintain controversial DEI policies for “environmental justice” and shared personal experiences of exclusion. Those experiences deserve respect. But many residents in Talbot County face exclusion through restricted land use, limited jobs, and rising costs. ShoreRivers would be strongest by returning to its core mission: protecting water quality while supporting aquaculture, watermen, healthy seafood, and safe rivers for fishing and swimming.