It’s always nice to get this sort of email in your inbox: “Your team does amazing work, and I would like to get involved in a meaningful way.” That was a message we received this spring from Steve Paquette, a resident of Hampton, N.H., who had recently retired from his role as president of WSP Global’s U.S. Earth & Environmental business, a diverse environmental consulting business.
The email led to meetings with Board Chair Deb Alberts, Governance Committee Chair Peter Kinner, Development Coordinator Audrey Becker and Executive Director Allison Knab. Steve proved thoughtful, enthusiastic, funny, and with a background that fit perfectly with the Stewards. In addition to leading the environment business at WSP, Paquette developed and led the U.S. Inclusion & Diversity program and ran the U.S. sustainability and Environment, Social Governance practice. He previously held leadership positions in two other global architect-engineering firms. Steve is also active in local Seacoast initiatives, and spends his downtime hiking and photographing the Bay and coastline.
“I started my career with a degree in environmental engineering, and over my work years I helped solve local and national environmental issues, and help develop and restore communities that I lived in,” Paquette says. “I retired in January and I now want to be involved in local groups and programs where I can continue to help our communities and improve our important coastal resources.”
In August, the Board was thrilled to appoint Steve to the Board, and look forward to working with him in the years ahead.
“Steve bring to the Board extensive experience with management, marketing, and development,” says Kinner. “He has already started to share this experience with the development committee and to the formation of a new outreach/advocacy committee.”
We hope you are able to meet Steve soon, and join us in welcoming him to the Board of Trustees for the Great Bay Stewards!