Kirsten Hutchings - Co-Founder
Kirsten, a Florida native, has always been connected to her environment, sparking an early interest in becoming an environmentalist. While that goal would come to fruition two decades later, her journey first took her into the military and then the federal government for the past 20 years focusing on policy analysis. In the subsequent years she embraced a new chapter focused on marine conservation and sustainable urban planning. This passion ultimately led to the founding of the Blue Urban Project, where she continues her commitment to preserving both sustainable urban planning and marine ecosystems in coastal cities.
Hobbies
Scuba diving, traveling, reading, and spending time with her fur kids.
Education
University of South Florida, MS, Sustainable Energy
Eckerd College, BA, Environmental Studies and Political Science
Raymond Salden - Co-Founder
Raymond is a Navy veteran, with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare field. Transitioning to a career in environmentalism driven by a passion for water conservation, he is dedicated to addressing the climate crisis by educating the public on sustainable coastal urban development.
Hobbies
As a former Search and Dive Rescue officer, he developed a passion for scuba diving and all things water. Raymond also enjoys bicycling, recreational sailing and sustainable travel.
Education
Raymond has a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in Global Sustainability with an emphasis on water resource conservation.
Dr. Jennifer Cudney - Policy Advisor
Jennifer has worked in federal fisheries management since 2011, when she was honored to be selected as a Sea Grant Knauss Fellow and matched with the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management Division of NOAA Fisheries. Jennifer has since specialized in the policy and domestic management of Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (sharks, tuna, swordfish and billfish). Between multiple degrees and employment, Jennifer has completed over 10 years of biological field work on many species and topics, including sea turtle conservation, bat hibernation patterns, fire ecology, bird conservation, freshwater gamefish (yellow perch, walleye, sauger), diadromous fish passage and migration, marine fisheries, and shark migration.
Hobbies
Cycling, group improvisational bellydance, gardening, dog mom, and traveling.
Education
East Carolina University, PhD, Coastal Resources Management
East Carolina University, MS, Biology
Ohio Northern University, BS, Environmental Studies & Biology
Zach Stevenson - Operations Manger (Advisory Board)
Zach is an experienced environmental policy specialist and nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience managing projects that benefit marginalized communities and the environment. His expertise includes environmental policy, land use planning, and subsistence resource conservation, with a focus on indigenous communities in Alaska and the Southwest.
Zach has previously served as Vice President of the Board of Trustees for Water Peak Partners, advocating for improved water quality and quantity through science, policy, and law. He also coordinated the Northwest Arctic and Eastern Interior Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils for the Federal Subsistence Management Program, focusing on conserving subsistence resources for indigenous communities. Additionally, he led a $2.4 million, five-year GIS-based subsistence mapping project for the Northwest Arctic Borough Planning Department, blending science and traditional knowledge for land use planning. Zach is committed to using his skills to positively impact both the environment and the communities he serves.
Hobbies
In his free time Zach enjoys sailing, cross country skiing, playing with his dog, named Oscar, and learning how to kite board.
Education
Eckerd College, BA, Environmental Studies/Policy
Devon Michael - Volunteer (Audio & Visual)
With a stubborn heart striving for a greener future, Devon desires self sufficiency within communities, environmental conservation and preservation in an artificial world. With an inkling for digital media management and photography, Devon will provide the visual encapsulation of the work and opportunities that Blue Urbanism promise.
Hobbies
Swimming, dancing, practicing the piano, and playing video games.
Education
Currently earning his BA at Valencia College in Audio Technology and Sound Production.
Tim Fagan - Volunteer Coordinator
As our Volunteer Coordinator Tim brings together his passion for marine conservation and his background in the military and emergency first aid. With experience in diving and volunteer EMS, he is committed to both environmental preservation and the safety of volunteers. Currently pursuing a nursing degree, Tim also volunteers at a local animal shelter. Through his efforts in urban ocean cleanups and community engagement, he works to make a lasting impact.
Education
Currently pursuing his A.S in Nursing at St. Petersburg College.
Amelia Johnson - Research Intern
Amelia joins us as a recent graduate and our newest Research Intern. She is passionate about community-centered design and expanding public understanding of sustainable urban development. Her career interests include GIS, environmental communication, and creatively visualizing data to inspire awareness and action.
Education
Eckerd College, BA, Environmental Studies, Minors in Marketing and Visual Arts
