Scott Budden has officially taken the reins as ShoreRivers newest Executive Director.
After an extensive search and hiring process, ShoreRivers is proud to formally announce the selection of Scott Budden as its new Executive Director.
“ShoreRivers Governing Board is thrilled with our selection of Scott Budden as the organization's new Executive Director," says Marian Fry, Chair of the Governing Board. "Scott was chosen from a robust pool of applicants based upon his skills acquired from a diverse 18-year professional background, which includes his performance as the Deputy Director of Finance at ShoreRivers. His undeniable talent and deep familiarity with our organization and our communities are the perfect combination to lead ShoreRivers into its next chapter. We wish him well, and can't wait to see how he takes on the role.”
Scott Budden was raised in Chestertown, MD, on the banks of Langford Creek. He attended Kent County Public Schools before graduating from Bucknell University in 2007 with a double major in Economics and International Relations and a minor in Spanish. After a 10-year stint in Washington, DC, as a corporate financial analyst for The Atlantic and Booz Allen Hamilton, he founded an oyster farm on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in 2015. Within a decade, he helped scale Orchard Point Oyster Co. to a nationally distributed brand.
With his passion for aquaculture and familiarity with both the business and non-profit worlds, Budden is a natural fit for ShoreRivers. He is a past appointee to the Maryland Aquaculture Coordinating Council and the Maryland Tidal Fish Advisory Commission, and has served on board and committees for non-profits like the Chester River Association (a ShoreRivers’ legacy organization), Oyster Recovery Partnership, Chesapeake Oyster Alliance, Maryland Sea Grant, and Washington College’s Innovation Plant.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead an organization that has meant so much to me — both personally and professionally — for years. To be at a helm that has been deftly steered by previous executive directors is a privilege," says Budden. "Our rivers hold different meanings for each of us. For me, they represent our shared cultural history and, thanks to the continued work of ShoreRivers, and our generous funders and partner organizations, their future is in good hands."
ShoreRivers is also wishing the fondest of farewells to outgoing Executive Director Isabel Hardesty, who has been with the organization for 14 years — five of which have been as its leader. During her tenure, the organization saw a significant growth period, with a 48% growth in staff and 68% growth in revenue. With this increase in capacity and investment, ShoreRivers has solidified its reputation as the community-centered and solutions-oriented voice for clean water on the Eastern Shore. Leading a culture of trust, transparency, and tenacity will be a lasting hallmark of her service to ShoreRivers and the communities it serves.
"In addition to being knowledgeable and capable, Scott has an incredible combination of genuine kindness and determination. He knows our communities, he loves these rivers, and he will lead ShoreRivers with compassion, integrity, and focus,” said Hardesty. “After working closely with Scott for over a year, and knowing him personally for over a decade, I’m confident that I'm leaving ShoreRivers in the right hands.”