About AIA
Assateague Island Alliance (AIA) was formed January 1, 2008 as the only non-profit Friends Group organization to promote the education, awareness and stewardship of Assateague Island National Seashore’s wildlife and natural resources for the enjoyment of current and future generations. All proceeds directly benefit Assateague Island National Seashore.
Assateague Island Alliance partners with the Assateague Island National Seashore to promote the awareness and protection of the island’s wildlife and natural resources for the enjoyment of current and future generations.
Assateague Island Alliance is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors (BOD). Each year, volunteer recommendations are made to the board for new members, replacing those who have served their term. Volunteers are typically individuals who have a passion for the island and who have demonstrated a willingness to “give back to others.” Their application is vetted amongst the board members and references are checked. Currently, the Board of Directors consists of:
Board Members and Staff
Heidi Cox
Heidi Cox grew up on Bard College on Annadale –on-Hudson, NY as a daughter of a college administrator and professor. She has lived and worked in education her whole life. Heidi worked in Student Life as an administrator for several years in the Boston area where she met her husband. Heidi currently lives in VA with her husband and two college age children. Her daughter brought Heidi to Assateague Island several years ago on her birthday and she fell in love with the island and its sea and wildlife. Her family has a condo in Bethany Beach and she serves as a Volunteer Seal Steward for Merr in Delaware and the National Aquarium in MD. She works as a Lead Special Education Inclusion teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools.
Nancy Gaither
Nancy fell in love with Assateague Island National Seashore on her first visit and can’t seem to stay away. She calls it her “Little Slice of Heaven.” Nancy is a keynote speaker throughout the Eastern Shore where she shares her passion for the island and teaches others about the past, the present and the wildlife that inhabit the island with two presentations called “Horse Tales” and “The Secrets of Assateague.” The Salisbury Lion’s Club, Women’s Club of Ocean Pines, Polish-American Club of Ocean City, the Rotary Club in Pocomoke City and more have all learned about early island days and some of the treasures now found on the island. She is semi-retired from wonderful companies such as Apple Computer, Inc., Booz Allen Hamilton, MD. 4-H Extension Service and UnitedHealthcare, where she has had adventures as Vice-President of Customer Support, Director of Training and more. She is the former Team Leader and Creative Team Director of the 4th place International Award winning chorus, Harbor City Music Company Show Chorus. Currently, at her business S.O.A.R.(Seizing Opportunities, Achieving Results), Nancy is consulting with major companies such as Perdue and Johns Hopkins University as an Executive Coach and also assists individuals with resume and interview preparation. Nancy is the President of the Assateague Island Alliance and is a firm advocate of doing what is needed to keeping the island and its residents wild and preserved.
Kim Johnson
Kim's love affair with Assateague began nine years ago when she first laid eyes on the island's breathtaking beauty. Growing up in Rockville, MD, and later relocating to Delaware, she never lost her sense of wonder. But it was Assateague's majestic horses, pristine beaches, and vibrant wildlife that truly captured her heart – and her lens. Now, as a member of AIA, she's committed to safeguarding this enchanting island and the wildlife that call it home. Assateaque offers unforgettable experiences that will delight your senses, warm your heart and make all who visit grateful for what Mother Nature has to offer. For Kim, Assateague is more than a place – it's a piece of her soul.
Ashlie Kozlowski
AIA Outreach Coordinator, began her career with a Bachelors degree in Marine Biology, which led to a 12 year career in Environmental Research and Education in various areas of the coastal mid-Atlantic region. Ashlie’s current position with AIA allows her to balance raising a family all the while expressing her passion for Coastal Ecology to help protect and preserve the naturally existing barrier island, Assateague Island National Seashore, for this and future generations. As the AIA Outreach Coordinator, Ashlie is instrumental in helping the team find and apply for grants, as well as administer programs throughout the year.
Bob Langan
Bob is new to the AIA Board, joining in January 2024. He’s not new to the eastern shore. Bob moved to Salisbury from western PA in the mid-1980s to take a job as an apprentice with Perdue Farms in their Technology department. That’s when he made his first trip to Assateague Island. Since he was a “city slicker” to the locals, he didn’t really know the story of the horses at the time. Bob grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh and loved to fish in one of the city’s three rivers – the Monongahela. If you’re wondering The Monongahela River valley was the site of a famous battle that was one of the first in the French and Indian War—the Braddock Expedition (May–July 1755). Back to Bob. He pursued a career in technology, earning a BSc in Information Systems from Robert Morris College/University, before moving to Maryland. He continued his almost 40-year career in technology mostly in the Baltimore-Washington area, and he received a MSc in Information Systems from Johns Hopkins University. He moved his family back to the shore where he’s worked as Director of Technology for Wicomico County Public Schools for the past 13 years. Outside of work, Bob is an advocate for promoting digital literacy and closing the digital divide. He actively participates in community outreach programs like the Salisbury Lions Club and LEO Student Service Clubs at two high schools in Salisbury. In his spare time, Bob and his wife Angie, along with their three daughters enjoy exploring the scenic beauty of Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Assateague. Whether cycling or driving, he appreciates the natural environment and its connection to learning and well-being.
Joe Lieb
Joe was born, raised and educated in Washington D.C. in a happy Catholic family with ten brothers and sisters. He visited Ocean City in 1962 and realized this was where he needed to live. Joe married his best friend, Pam Berg and moved to Bishopville where they grow organic produce on a small farm with a healthy apiary and a view of Ocean City. Joe has been on the Pony Patrol with Assateague Island National Seashore and is known by many for his dedication and received an award from the Park Service in 2018 for volunteering over 700 hours on the island. In this photo, Joe is installing on each picnic bench in National Park procedures for safely storing food. To quote Joe, “Life is good!”
Luna Lorance
Luna is AIA’s new Coastal Ecology intern. A recent graduate of Stephen Decatur High School. Luna is enrolled in an online university in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies and will continue her education through hands on experience with Assateague Island Alliance’s citizen science Horseshoe Crab tagging program. Luna will also assist with environmental education through social media and community outreach events. On a personal note, Luna is a youth cheer coach, surfs the Assateague waves YEAR-ROUND, and is inspired to leave a positive mark. We’re excited to welcome her aboard!
Nancy McMenamin
Nancy was born and raised in Philadelphia. Nancy and her husband Tim moved to New Jersey to raise their 3 children. They first visited Assateague Island and Ocean City, MD in 1983 and continued to visit the area ever since, looking forward to the day they could live there. Nancy has worked full time for a private school for students with disabilities for the past 11 years. In 2018 they purchased their retirement home in Ocean Pines and will become full time residents on the Eastern Shore in 2024. The beauty of Assateague Island provides many opportunities for Nancy to enjoy her photography and spend time with her family and friends. She looks forward to helping educate visitors about all the wonders that Assateague National Seashore has to offer.
Rebekka Ortega
Rebekka was raised in a military family as her dad was in the Air Force and now her husband in the Army. Rebekka has lived in several states including Michigan, Texas, California, Tennessee, South Carolina and now, Virginia. Rebekka found Assateague Island and quickly discovered it was her place of joy, peace, and freedom. She shares her passion of the island in photography and making memories at Assateague with friends and family. In addition to the board, She works full-time as the Equine Office Manager at a veterinarian hospital in Virginia. Her husband, Jose and her live near Richmond Virginia, and have a farm with countless animals including horses. Rebekka’s hobbies include hiking, riding her horses, kayaking, swimming photography, and many more.