Preparing for the Storm:
Recommendations for Management of Risk from Coastal Hazards in Massachusetts

The Coastal Hazards Commission (CHC) dedicates this report to its Chair, Susan Snow-Cotter, who died of inflammatory breast cancer on December 13, 2006. Susan worked for the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) for 12 years. She started as the Ocean Policy Coordinator and most recently served as the Director. Her commitment to coastal communities, proactive management style, and ability to synthesize many diverse disciplines helped the CHC address the challenges of coastal hazards in Massachusetts. Early in the decision-making process, Susan led numerous forums, giving the public the opportunity to express their ideas and concerns to the CHC. Under her pragmatic leadership, the CHC addressed these concerns and developed comprehensive draft recommendations by August—only six months after the CHC was convened. Following her diagnosis in September, Susan continued to advance the goals of the CHC. To the very end, Susan remained dedicated to improving management of the Commonwealth's coast.