Board Transitions: Honoring Service and Welcoming New Leadership

ORP is grateful for the leadership, expertise, and commitment of our Board of Directors—past and present—whose guidance continues to strengthen our mission to restore oysters and improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

Thank you Outgoing Board Members

This month, we extend our sincere thanks to three Board members whose service is concluding: James King, Ben Savage, and Mike Eckhart.

Ben Savage was instrumental in helping ORP build and deepen key partnerships, including Flying Dog Brewery and other like-minded organizations. His strategic approach to collaboration helped expand ORP’s network and visibility, creating lasting benefits for our work and our mission.

We are deeply grateful to James King of Titan Hospitality Group for his generosity and openness in welcoming ORP into his restaurants. These early opportunities played an important role in the growth of our shell recycling and outreach efforts. His support helped demonstrate what strong, values-aligned partnerships can look like in practice.

Mike Eckhart departs after decades of extraordinary service and impact. A participant in the original Oyster Policy Roundtable and a Board member since 1994, Mike was among the visionaries whose early ideas helped lead to ORP’s formation. His proposal of the Clear Bay Project helped spark the conversation that ultimately shaped large-scale, science-driven oyster restoration in Maryland. ORP is profoundly grateful for his leadership, perspective, and lifelong commitment to the Chesapeake Bay.

Welcome New Board Members

As we thank our outgoing members, we are also pleased to welcome two new leaders to the Board.

Kyle Gilbert currently serves as Government Affairs Officer for the Investment Company Institute, the leading trade association representing the global asset management industry. With a background in public affairs, campaign strategy, and policy advocacy, Kyle brings extensive experience navigating complex stakeholder landscapes. An experienced waterman and U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Master Captain, he also serves on the Maryland Seafood Marketing Advisory Commission, offering ORP both professional insight and a strong personal connection to Maryland’s working waterfronts.

 

 

Elisha A. King, Partner and Chief Legal Officer at DLA Piper, brings more than 25 years of experience in litigation, employment law, and organizational governance. A member of the firm’s Executive Committee, Elisha also serves on the board of the DLA Piper Foundation. Her deep expertise in governance, leadership, and professional responsibility will be a valuable asset as we continue to strengthen our organization and advance our mission.

 

 

We are deeply thankful to our departing Board members for their years of service and proud to welcome new voices who will help guide ORP’s work in the years ahead. Together, this leadership ensures ORP remains well-positioned to advance oyster restoration, strengthen partnerships, and deliver lasting impact for the Chesapeake Bay.