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.
Isabel Cox
Isabel grew up in Northern Virginia before heading to South Central Pennsylvania for college and graduate school. What was meant to be a temporary chapter quickly became home, as she now proudly resides in South Central Pennsylvania. She earned her Master’s degree in Organizational Development and Leadership and currently serves as an Operations Manager for a Target Regional Distribution Center. A lifelong animal lover, Isabel has often chosen to celebrate birthdays by visiting and interacting with animals in various capacities. It was only fitting that her connection to Assateague Island National Seashore began with family and a love of wildlife. After learning about the island from a friend whose family had a home in Ocean Pines, she decided to take her mom there to celebrate her birthday. That first visit sparked something special, and her family has fallen in love with the island ever since. There’s just something about the wild horses, the ocean air, and the untouched beauty of the island that keeps Isabel coming back!
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!
Lybbi Martin
Lybbi Martin has been a resident of Ocean Pines for the past six years and has deep roots in the Ocean City area, where her family has maintained a home since 1972. She brings more than 15 years of federal service experience, currently working at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Prior to her federal career, she worked at IBM, where she was actively involved in employee volunteer leadership. Lybbi has a long history of community service and volunteer leadership. She served as Vice Chair at IBM for Project Thanksgiving, where she led more than 400 volunteers in distributing 1,400 Thanksgiving dinners to forty agencies. In 2008, she was also the Volunteer Coordinator Extreme Home Makeover built in Poolesville, Maryland. Additionally, she has participated in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) in all capacities throughout her federal career, including the 2016 Campaign Manager for her OP/DIV, Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) where she lead her team to raise over $335,000. In the Ocean City area, Lybbi has been a member of the Ocean City Lioness Club for the past three years and served on its board last year. She actively volunteers with Town Cats of Ocean City, Maryland, participates in the AIA horseshoe crab tagging program, and is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 166, in Ocean City. Lybbi is also deeply committed to youth leadership and service. She served as Assistant Scoutmaster for her son’s Scout troop in Rockville, Maryland for 10 years, after previously serving as a committee member. Through her professional work and extensive volunteer service, Lybbi remains dedicated to strengthening her community and supporting causes that make a meaningful impact.
Sophia Seufert
"Growing up, Sophia spent meaningful time exploring the coastal wilderness of Florida where she developed a love for the beach and estuarine ecosystems. Now based in Ocean City Maryland, Sophia is a Wildlife Biologist working to protect and restore Maryland’s unique coastal salt marshes for bird and marine species that depend on them. Outside of her biologist job, she creates nature-inspired art through her business “Her Planet Creative Co.” highlighting local wildlife and donating 20% of her sales back to environmental nonprofits. As a local artist, she collaborates with local businesses on art projects and sells her work at several stores in the Ocean City area. When she’s not donning waders in the marsh or vending at local art markets, you’ll probably find Sophia surfing at Assateague with her friends. Sophia first got involved with AIA through the horseshoe crab tagging volunteer program and is excited to help protect one of her favorite places in the world through this new leadership role."
Reber Whitner
Reber Whitner is retired from the world of paychecks in 2017. My previous work experience included a middle school teacher, a camp counselor, real estate sales, an owner operator of Subway Restaurant franchise and a Department Manager at Giant Food. As a volunteer I co-created the Food Programs at Epworth United Methodist Church. I am currently the Captain of Team #3 Food & Love, teach 2 Yoga classes at the Cancer Support Community, sit on the board of Miriam's Table and Volunteer at Assateague Island National Seashore. I am an Eagle Scout.