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NESS Announces New Chairman of the Board

NESS announced that the Board of Directors has elected William (Bill) Follett as its first Chairman of the Board

Bill Follett has been a director on NESS’s Board for two years. He recently retired as Founder and CEO of Dotcom Distribution, the premier distribution company he owns in Edison, New Jersey. Bill previously held positions as Chief Operating Officer at GoodTimes Entertainment, Ltd., and as Chief Executive Officer of a joint venture between Sony and Video Corporation of America. Bill was also Board Chairman for Lighthouse International.

NESS President & CEO Spike Lobdell commented, “This represents an important milestone in our growth as a foundation. Having a dedicated Chairman to oversee all governance activities, including strengthening the Board with new members, will be vital to our long-term success.” NESS’s Executive Director Cindy Nickerson added, “Bill brings a wealth of experience to NESS that will be invaluable in guiding the Board forward.”

“It’s an honor to be named NESS’s first Chairman of the Board. I look forward to working with Spike and Cindy and the rest of the highly qualified NESS team as they continue bringing NESS’s educational programs to more families and schools throughout our New England communities,” commented Bill.

Since its inception as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2004, NESS has grown significantly over the last 12 years. Now with 20 full-time employees and 10 AmeriCorps members, NESS provides year-round on-the-water and in-classroom instruction to students in grades PreK-16. So far in 2016, NESS has served over 6,000 students through its sailing, marine science, and ocean adventure programs. Over the years, NESS has worked with more than 100 schools and organizations throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island.

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72 Water Street, PO Box 733, Stonington, CT 06378 | 860.535.9362 | adventure@nessf.org