Our Team
Executive Director
Briana Cowie
Recognizing the interconnectedness between environmental management and a collective sense of community, Briana is well-positioned as the new executive director of ECW. With a background in political science, international relations and environmental policy, Briana has created initiatives that strengthen community resilience and policy response to climate risks, impacts and possible adaptive action solutions for the region. Briana has enjoyed working at ECW since 2018 with a brilliant team and strong community network.
Operations Manager
Karl Whelan
Karl has been employed since May 2005 with ECW as our lab manager, running our microbiology lab and leading our Environment Canada contract. His education includes B. Sc. (Biology) and an advanced diploma in aquaculture. He spent eleven years in the salmon industry prior to working at ECW. Karl enjoys hunting and woodworking in his spare time.
Office Manager
Michelle O’Hanley
With over 10 years of experience as ECW’s Office Manager, Michelle skillfully manages financial reporting to the board of directors and project funders as well as maintaining accounts payable, receivable, and payroll for the organization. She ensures smooth office operations with her robust knowledge of non-profit requirements and environmental project activities. Known to be out in the field, you may spot her driving our Carolina skiff or collecting water samples. Outside of work she enjoys fishing and watching true crime documentaries.
Farm manager
brian goggin
Brian has been working with ECW since 2021 to develop our indoor farming initiative. His roots in marine biology and history of working at the Huntsman Marine Science Center kindled a passion for nature and sustainable aquaculture. In 2020, he joined the Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) Laboratory at UNBSJ and earned his Master of Science degree studying crop selection in aquaponic systems. Now he is applying his experience with controlled environment agriculture to create an indoor hydronic farm that will supply Charlotte County with leafy greens and herbs year-round. Brian loves being out on the water, whale watching, and live music.
Project biologist
courtney piercy
Courtney grew up in rural New Brunswick, sparking her interest in conservation and the environment from a young age. Courtney holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a Bachelor of Education from the University of New Brunswick. At ECW she works within our Aquatic Science team with a focus on supporting marine protection in the Bay of Fundy. Outside of work Courtney’s hobbies include spending time with her family, camping, and hiking with her dog.
underwater noise analyst
kirsti mrazek
Kirsti's passion for marine megafauna began while completing her BSc in marine biology and oceanography at Dalhousie, focusing her studies on elasmobranchs. She completed her MSc from James Cook University in Australia, where her research focused on climate change impacts to sea urchins and sea stars. She also spent time as an intern completing photo identification of minke whales on the Great Barrier Reef. Kirsti brings expertise in working with large datasets to answer conservation focused research questions and is excited to be a part of the underwater noise team at ECW.
QUALITY CONTROL COORDINATOR & LAB TECHNICIAN
CRYSTAL HILTZ
Crystal grew up in Nova Scotia where she developed a love of the ocean and community. She studied biology at Mount Allison University with a focus in marine algae, before moving to New Brunswick and working in marine invertebrate biodiversity and taxonomy. Crystal was drawn to ECW by shared values and commitment to meaningful, community-based initiatives. As a part of the ECW Laboratory, Crystal performs bacterial analysis of drinking water and microbiological testing of seawater in shellfish growing areas.
Aquatic Science Program Manager
Kalen Mawer
Kalen has a passion for life aquatic. She first joined ECW in 2018 while studying marine biology at UNBSJ, and stayed on because of the diversity of projects and their positive impact. In particular, Kalen likes to work in our local Marine Protected Area, and hopes most to contribute meaningfully to maintaining healthy marine ecosystems throughout southwest NB and beyond. Outside the office, Kalen is an avid hiker and likes to read post-apocalyptic fiction.
sustainability manager
Zaria Sorel
Zaria grew up in Saint Andrews and has an undergraduate degree in Aquatic Resources from StFX and recently graduated from the Master of Environmental Management program at UNB. She hopes to make a positive impact in Charlotte County's rural communities with her involvement in Project: Village. Outside of work, Zaria enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and working in her garden.
Project biologist
Charlotte bartlett
Charlotte grew up in Saint Andrews until she studied Biology and Music at UNB Fredericton where she completed the Marine Block semester. She is currently a Biology master’s candidate at UNB Fredericton, studying the effects of climate change on Atlantic Salmon. Her upbringing and education have instilled a passion for aquatic systems. She is enthusiastic to contribute to the health and sustainability of local aquatic environments through her work with the Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program and other Aquatic Sciences Projects. Outside of work, Charlotte can be found sailing her 22 ft sailboat or singing songs at a local pub.
Field technician
florevir abes
Most people call him Abes. With his passion for nature and enjoyment of working in the field, he completed his diploma in the Environmental Technology program at NBCC- Miramichi. Working at ECW, he involves in diverse projects in in-land and aquatic such as river/lake, estuary and marine water and sediments sampling and monitoring accordingly to QA/QC sampling protocol. Every day in the field is an adventure and learning. Furthermore, he is excited to help his colleagues with project development.
SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER
Rose Umlas beltran
A graduate of Business Management from NBCC, Rose Umlas is a young professional aspiring to impart her knowledge and skills into meaningful work that enriches the community. As a part of Eastern Charlotte Waterways, she brings in new perspectives, creativity, and positive energy in achieving corporate and project goals. Her unique skills, expertise, and exceptional work ethic all aligned with ECW’s corporate values ensure the planning and delivery of quality projects that will initiate community engagement and enhance living standards within the province.