Coastal Zone Management Appoints Robert Gass as the Assistant South Coastal Regional Coordinator

June 2, 1998
Contact: Anne Donovan
(617) 727-9530, x411

Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management (MCZM) announces the appointment of Robert Gass as the Assistant Regional Coordinator for the South Coastal Region. Mr. Gass brings to the position more than 15 years of experience in the marine environment. Having served in the U.S. Navy since 1978, his areas of expertise include research, project management, shipping, navigation, operational management, and training.

"Robert's strong communication and leadership skills will make him an ideal Assistant Regional Coordinator," said Peg Brady, Director of MCZM. "I am confident he will effectively work with South Coastal communities to provide them with the information and technical support they need to balance competing interest and pursue strong coastal policy."

Throughout his career with the Navy, Mr. Gass accepted positions of greater responsibility. At sea he served in vital navigational, operational, and engineering capacities. On shore he specialized in officer training and education, most recently serving as Curriculum Instructional Standards Director for the Naval Education and Training Center, Newport, Rhode Island. Mr. Gass was twice awarded the Navy Commendation medal and the Navy Achievement medal for his accomplishments.

Mr. Gass holds a Master of Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Science and Oceanography from the U.S. Naval Academy. He has conducted extensive research on the effects of coastal over-development, specifically on erosion and sand budget issues. His work culminated in the publication of a comprehensive paper concentrating on dune nourishment.

"I am determined to contribute to sound proactive management of our precious coastal zone," said Gass. "Only through positive steps taken today will we ensure these valuable resources remain as nature intended. Future generations will enjoy the benefits of the message of responsible use we preach today. I am honored to join the ranks of the MCZM team."

MCZM's South Coastal Regional Office is co-located with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Southeast Regional Office (SERO) in Lakeville. The communities covered by the Region are: Acushnet, Berkley, Dartmouth, Dighton, Duxbury, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Hanover, Kingston, Marion, Marshfield, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Rehoboth, Scituate, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, Wareham, and Westport.