Waterfowl Festival Inc. have recently welcomed two new additional members to the Board of Directors for 2025.

“As our organization continues to grow, we are pleased to announce the addition of Durrer and Burns to our team. Durrer was a key member of our volunteer core in 2024, chairing two separate committees and supporting our operations downtown. Burns is a respected, second-generation life-long volunteer, carver, and chairman of the scholarship committee. Both individuals exhibit the highest commitment level to the mission of the festival.” remarked executive director Deena Kilmon.

Over his 20 years working in the federal government and in national politics, Austin has served as Chief of Staff for multiple Congressmembers on Capitol Hill, in the Executive Branch, and as campaign manager for a major statewide campaign. Through this experience, Austin has developed exceptional relationships, knowledge, political expertise and the ability to develop and communicate complex issues designed to advance client interests at the federal, state and local levels. As a partner at Moran Global Strategies, a leading government relations consulting firm, Austin is an expert on the appropriations process, focused on the defense technology sector.

Burns has worked as an educator for over two decades with Talbot County Public Schools and is a graduate of the University of Maryland College Park and Johns Hopkins University. Burns lives on West Sherwood Farms, his family farm, located outside Bozman, Maryland. Ernie continues to create bird and duck sculptures in the studio that inspires him and serves on the scholarship and carving committees for the Waterfowl Festival.

Waterfowl Festival Inc. have recently welcomed new additions to their Boards of Directors in January. Jonathan Rondeau, Kim Newcomb, and Amy Horne have joined the organization this month.

“As we enter into the New Year, we are pleased to have three new board members that have a diverse array of skills and capabilities, each one uniquely important to the continued success of our historic festival, “ remarked Deena Kilmon, Executive Director. “Rondeau and Horne will bring fresh ideas and new energy. Newcomb, a thirty-year chairman and returning board member, will offer a wealth of knowledge and historical perspective.”

Jonathon Rondeau is President & CEO of the Arc Central Chesapeake Region. He partners with The Arc’s board of directors to set the strategic vision and direction of The Arc to make a lasting impact on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Over the last 6 years, Jonathon has championed transformational change and growth by expanding services, increasing The Arc’s regional presence, and developing leadership at every level of the organization. His past roles include President & CEO of Family League of Baltimore; Vice President, Community Services and then Chief Program Officer of Melwood; and Director of Camping & Therapeutic Recreation, Autism Services & Transportation for The League for People with Disabilities. He is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Maryland and Baltimore’s The Leadership 2017 program.

Rondeau holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Notre Dame of Maryland University and a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and disability studies from Springfield College. Jonathon resides in Catonsville with his husband, Matt and his son.

A native of Easton, Amy Horne is a life-long participant in the festival, having begun her journey as a youth volunteer or “Ducksitter” while still in high school. Horne currently serves as the Executive Director of the St. Michaels Community Center. Her recent past role as the Executive Director of Casa of Caroline showcased her substantial talent in creating a positive impact in the community, an ability to successfully create multi-dimensional fundraising and awareness campaigns for the organization, and a strong ability to create opportunities for volunteers and community partners to participate in the organization’s work.

Horne holds a Master of Social Work degree from Salisbury University. She has served as the President of Denton Rotary and the Shireton Condominium Association. Past board experience includes the Domestic Violence Center of Greater New Haven and the Friends of Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital. She lives in Easton with her husband Ernie Rowe.

Kim Newcomb returns to the board after a few year’s hiatus. She is a native of Talbot County and has a deep love and appreciation for the waterfowling traditions and Eastern Shore lifestyle. Newcomb brings a wealth of industry experience, having worked for many years at Safariland Hunting Corporation. Currently she is the owner of Terry  k & Associates, a real estate appraisal office.

Since 1996 she has been the Waterfowl Festival Artifacts Chairman, spearheading and designing each year’s educational exhibit which has delighted thousands of visitors over the years. Newcomb and her husband Ronnie were inducted into the Waterfowl Festival Hall of Fame in 2016. Her past experiences also include serving on the board and as the interim Deputy Director of the acclaimed Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, MD. She has served on  the Dorchester County Historical Society Board of Directors (2012-2016) and the Dorchester County Sanitation Board of Trustees (2014-current), serving as President of the Board from 2015-2020. Kim and Ronnie reside in Church Creek, Maryland.

About Waterfowl Festival Inc.

Waterfowl Festival Inc., a partner of Waterfowl Chesapeake Inc., is dedicated to wildlife conservation, the promotion of wildlife art, and the celebration of life on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The 54th Festival will be held November 14-16, 2025 in historic Easton, Md. General admission tickets are $25 for all three days and VIP packages are also available. For more information, to volunteer, or donate, email [email protected] or call 410-822-4567.

The Waterfowl Festival, Inc is pleased to announce that Julie Susman has been selected as its 2025 Board of Directors President.

Julie Susman is the former President, CEO and owner of Jefferson Consulting Group, a small, woman-owned, Washington, DC professional service firm. Susman’s career spanned 41 years in Washington working both on Capitol Hill and in Business. She is an expert in federal business development, government relations, and government procurement, with a focus on health care, information technology, and improving how the government buys, operates and executes its mission.

She is a nationally recognized expert in federal health care programs, including veterans’ and military health care programs. Prior to heading Jefferson Consulting Group, she managed the Washington operations of McDonnell Douglas’ Health Information Systems Company, and previously served as Deputy Staff Director, Legislative Director, and Deputy Chief Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

Susman also serves as the President of the Talbot Preservation Alliance (TPA) and as a Board Member of the Mid Shore Council on Family Violence.

Susman holds a master’s degree in psychological counseling from The George Washington University, and a bachelor’s degree from Sarah Lawrence College. She lives in Royal Oak, Md, and has three children and seven grandchildren.

The 54th annual Waterfowl Festival is planned for Nov. 14-16, 2025. For volunteer, vendor or corporate partner opportunities,  please contact: marketing@waterfowlfestival.org.

About the Waterfowl Festival

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

The Waterfowl Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of the Maryland State Arts Council, the Maryland Historic Trust, the Town of Easton, Talbot County Government, and all of our incredible community partners including the hundreds of volunteers that make all the magic happen.

Waterfowl Festival Inc. and Burnish Brewing Co. announce the limited edition release of “In Flight” a fall brew produced in collaboration with Bird Nickel Brewing of Easton, MD. This spiced winter lager will complement delicious fall food pairings and evoke warm memories of a crackling fire, good friends, and brisk outdoor fun – the perfect companion to help celebrate Waterfowl weekend!

The beer’s concept was developed with Doug Greene of Bird Nickel Brewing, who grew up in Easton and has a deep passion for the mission and vision of the Waterfowl Festival. Greene approached the festival in spring 2024 and the collaboration with Burnish soon followed. The beer’s eye-catching label is designed by Maggii Sarfaty, an Easton-based artist who also painted the background for this year’s festival map.

During the festival, the beer will be available at Premier Night on Nov. 7 in all of the art pavilions, free to all VIP ticket holders while supplies last. Through the weekend, VIP ticket holders can request the beer in the VIP hospitality suite. “In Flight” can be purchased at the new Duck Blind Bar located within the Avalon Theatre. This venue will also feature seasonal craft beers from RAR, Big Truck, and Burley Oak.  Festival participants will also be able to sample the beer in the tasting pavilion located on Dover Street with the purchase of a tasting pavilion ticket.

Parking and Transportation – Enjoy free parking and bus transportation with a festival ticket. Ample accessible parking, ticket booths, and bus stops will be located at Easton High School, Easton Elementary School, and Easton Middle School. Transportation and parking are available free with the support of Londonderry on the Tred Avon, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, Benson and Mangold, and the Talbot County Public School System. Four bus routes this year will get your where you need to go, fast!

Questions? Please contact us at the Waterfowl Festival office, Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00PM. Volunteers are needed for all venues and will earn a free ticket good for all three days of the festival!

For tickets please visit: https://waterfowlfestival.org/festival-tickets/

About the Waterfowl Festival

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

The Waterfowl Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of the Maryland State Arts Council, the Maryland Historic Trust, the Town of Easton, Talbot County Government, and all of our incredible community partners including the hundreds of volunteers that make all the magic happen. We gratefully acknowledge the support of our 2024 Legacy Conservation Partners – PNC Bank, Guyette and Deeter, Ducks Unlimited, and the Maryland State Arts Council.

For more information about the Waterfowl Festival, including ticket sales and a full schedule of events, please visit www.waterfowlfestival.org.