Sanctuary Staff
Contact Us
For general inquiries:
graysreef@noaa.gov
(912) 598-2345 (office phone)
(912) 598-2367 (fax)
Leadership
Stan Rogers
Superintendent and Research Coordinator
Stan.Rogers@noaa.gov | 912.598.2428
Stan Rogers is the superintendent at Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary joining the sanctuary in 2019, continuing his 20+ year career with government service. Rogers previously worked for NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) where he most recently supervised policy, planning and evaluation, data management, and communications activities for NOAA's Restoration Center in the Office of Habitat Conservation. Prior to that, he served as a senior consultation biologist for NMFS' Office of Protected Resources leading national programmatic consultations with the U.S. Navy and other Department of Defense training and testing activities worldwide, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Prior to joining NOAA in 2011, Rogers spent 15 years with the Department of Defense as a civilian natural resources and conservation law enforcement program manager for the Air Force. There he was responsible for natural resource conservation programs on military lands and waters around the Continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawai'i. He also administered environmental programs in overseas locations including Greenland, Ascension Island, and Antigua.
Rogers is a native of the lowcountry of South Carolina and a graduate of Clemson University. He began his career as a consulting wildlife biologist in the Carolinas and Georgia working with private and corporate landowners and is fortunate to return "home" to be a steward of Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary.
Elliott Lam
State Program Manager
Elliott.Lam@noaa.gov | 912.598.2439
Elliott Lam arrived at Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary in 2018. In his role on the management team, Elliott's main responsibilities include coordinating support with our primary partner, the University of Georgia's Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, program planning and implementation, and partnerships with stakeholders. His interest in marine resources management grew out of experiences as a youth fishing along the marshes of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico and diving in the Florida Keys. Lam honed his skills while working at Rare, an international NGO, in their Philippines office, where he worked with local governments and marginal anglers to establish scientifically sound, ecosystem-based fisheries and habitat management. Lam holds a master's degree in environmental and natural resource management from the University of the Philippines and a bachelor's degree in government from Berry College.
Duties: grant management, finance, facilities, IT, operations, program planning, recreational fishing and diving
Resource Protection
Scott Kathey
Resource Protection Coordinator
Scott.Kathey@noaa.gov | 912.598.2381
Scott Kathey joined the Gray's Reef team in December 2020. He began working for the National Marine Sanctuary System in 1992 as a graduate intern with the Olympic Coast and Proposed Northwest Straits national marine sanctuary programs in Washington state. Two years later, he accepted a position at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in California as a resource protection specialist. In this role, Kathey coordinated a variety of tasks over 26 years such as regulatory compliance, environmental enforcement, emergency response planning/operations, permitting, marine policy, advisory council administration, buoy system management, salvage contracting and oversight, small boat management, and boat/dive/air operations. As resource protection coordinator at Gray's Reef, he is responsible for resource protection policy development and implementation, permitting, advisory council administration, sanctuary management planning, regulatory interpretation and development, enforcement, environmental emergency response, and support for sanctuary boat, dive, and air operations. Scott gained a love for the sea during visits to the Gulf Coast as a child and entered the marine protection field to play an active role in ocean stewardship. During his professional career in local and federal coastal zone management, he has applied a combination of policy, regulatory, administrative, and social tools to prevent and minimize threats to natural resources and processes across urban shorelines, national wildlife refuges, and national marine sanctuaries. Kathey holds a master's degree in marine affairs from University of Washington with a concentration in coastal management, and a bachelor's degree in international affairs from George Washington University with a concentration in international politics.
Duties: policy development, permitting, advisory council, management planning, regulations, enforcement, emergency response, and field operations support
Scientific Research and Monitoring
Alison Soss
Geospatial Data Analyst and Research Program Specialist
Alison.Soss@noaa.gov | 912.598.2431
Alison Soss was first part of the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary science team between 2014-2016 working as a research program specialist. In 2019, she was hired back on as a research program specialist and geospatial analyst. In these roles, she supports research goals by curating and providing geospatial analytical support for the sanctuary. In addition to providing scientific diving and field support, she assists with equipment deployment planning, data management, and mapping outreach materials. Soss' interests in marine research began when she got scuba certified in 2010. She loves the challenges of conducting research underwater and always seeing or hearing something new while out at sea. She also has a passion for social sciences and learning about how humans value and interact with the environment and each other. Her interests have led her to working on offshore research expeditions and social science projects for the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. Soss holds a bachelor's degree in environmental studies and a bachelor's in biology from Emory University. She is currently working on her master's degree at the College of Charleston in environmental studies and public administration.
Duties: data management, GIS analysis, cartography, scientific research, scientific diving, research planning, scientific reports, communication and outreach material
Brett Sweezey
Research Program Specialist
Brett.Sweezey@noaa.gov | 703.859.6611
Brett Sweezey joined the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary science team in June 2026. In his role, Sweezy develops, coordinates, and facilitates research projects and activities to advance the sanctuary's goals. In addition to fieldwork and diving operations, he is responsible for data analytics and evaluating historical and future trends to oversee the long-term monitoring program at the sanctuary. Sweezy has a doctorate degree in marine biology from Texas A&M University at Galveston and specializes in the movement ecology and habitat use of marine species. One of the primary research topics he is interested in is the large-scale ecosystem connectivity of highly migratory marine species (especially elasmobranchs) throughout the western North Atlantic. His previous research experience has led him across the entire East Coast of the United States, from Maine through Florida, and internationally to the Bahamas and South Africa. He earned his master's degree from the University of New England and bachelor's degree from Old Dominion University.
Duties: data management, data analysis in R, scientific research, scientific diving, research planning,scientific reports, communication and outreach material
Vessel Operations
Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Christy Starsinic
Vessel Operations Coordinator
voc.grnms@noaa.gov | 912.657.0526
Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Christy Starsinic joined Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary as the vessel operations coordinator in June 2025. She coordinates boat operations aboard R/V Gannet and diver operations for the sanctuary as the NOAA Divemaster. Before coming to Gray's Reef, Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Starsinic served aboard NOAA Ship Pisces. On Pisces, she held various roles, including Small Boat Officer, Navigation Officer, Dive Officer, and Environmental Compliance Officer. During her time on Pisces, she conducted operations throughout the Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico), as well as along the U.S. East Coast, from southern Texas to Nova Scotia, Canada. She also served as an Officer of the Deck on NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette, which sailed throughout the Northern Mariana Islands. Before joining the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Starsinic worked in wilderness therapy and outdoor education across the US She guided students in nature and taught marine and environmental sciences. She holds a master's degree in biology from the University of Guam. Her thesis focused on coral reef resilience around Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia. She earned her bachelor's degree in Biology with minors in Marine Science, Environmental Science, and Classical Studies from Fairfield University, where she also played Division I field hockey.
Duties: vessel operations and maintenance, dive operations and maintenance, budgeting, and safety
Kailey Macpherson
Vessel Captain
Captain Macpherson joined Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary as an affiliate in 2026. Macpherson is responsible for the safety operations, maintenance, and upkeep of R/V Gannet, the sanctuary's 52-foot research vessel. Captain Macpherson holds a Bachelor of Science in marine biology from UNC Wilmington. This experience has taken Captain Macpherson all over the world, from South Africa to California, and inspired her love for being on the water. Macpherson joins our team with over 10 years of experience on passenger boats, and five years of captaining two research vessels for South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, conducting coastal trawl surveys and offshore projects ranging from Cape Canaveral, Florida, to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
Duties: Vessel operations, safety, maintenance, and upkeep
Cassidy Ring
Data Manager and Relief Vessel Captain
Cassidy Ring joined Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary as an affiliate in Fall 2025, following six years of service as a NOAA commissioned officer, with her final assignment as the vessel operations coordinator at Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary from Spring 2022 to Summer 2025. Ring has returned to Gray's Reef as a relief captain for the R/V Gannet, and as a data manager for the sanctuary's long-term monitoring project. Both roles allow her to pursue her passions for vessel operations and marine science, while continuing to serve the sanctuary in new ways. Prior to her vessel operations role at Gray's Reef, Ring served aboard NOAA Ship Oregon II as navigation officer where she conducted fisheries research operations throughout the Gulf and along the southeastern coast. During her time as a NOAA Corps officer, she also served as an officer of the deck in the Great Lakes on NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson and off the Georgia coast on NOAA Ship Nancy Foster both for projects supporting the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. Ring holds two bachelor's degrees: one in biological science and one in marine science from North Carolina State University, where she gained a deeper understanding of marine conservation and a desire to someday work for NOAA.
Duties: Data management, vessel operations, and safety
André Chavez
Deckhand
André Chavez joined Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary as a deckhand for R/V Gannet in 2026. Through an affiliation with Cardinal Point Captains, André handles daily maintenance and manages the deck to support diving and scientific research missions. Originally from the deserts of New Mexico, Chavez is a Mexican-American adventurer who found his place on the water. He is STCW certified with experiences varying from east to west coasts. With a degree in hospitality and tourism from New Mexico State University, Chavez is focused on the maritime industry and is working toward becoming a full-time captain.
Duties: Vessel maintenance, deck management, research and dive operational support
Cortez Graves
Deckhand
Cortez Graves joined the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary in 2026 with over four years of hands-on vessel experience, including one year as a senior deckhand at Savannah Riverboat Cruises. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-on master license and is experienced in vessel operations, line handling, deck maintenance, and maintaining safe and efficient marine operations. In addition to maritime work, Graves has three years of experience in the medical field and three years of experience in photography and photo editing, demonstrating technical proficiency and a keen eye for detail. Graves is enrolled at Arizona State University pursuing a degree in conservation biology, with a strong interest in marine ecosystems. He is motivated to combine maritime experience and scientific interest to support research and operational missions aboard the R/V Gannet.
Duties: Assist OIC/VOC in vessel operations and maintenance
Education and Outreach
Mary Quinn
Education and Outreach Specialist
Mary.Quinn@noaa.gov | 912.598.2417
Mary Quinn joined Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary in 2023 as a NOAA Affiliate via University of Georgia Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. As the education and outreach specialist, Mary handles day-to-day operations at Gray's Reef Ocean Discovery Center, including volunteers, visitors, and informal education. She is also responsible for building curriculum and creating educational programming. Mary found a passion for education and outreach while working for marine science nonprofits in the Florida Keys. In the span of two years, Mary taught over 10,000 visiting students about the ecosystems of the Florida Keys, and general threats to marine environments. She holds a bachelor's degree with a double major in biology and creative writing from Wheaton College, Massachusetts.
Duties: Oversees the Ocean Discovery Center, curriculum development, informal educational program design, events
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
Sarah Porter
Chapter Director, Gray's Reef NMS Foundation
With over 15 years of experience in development and building partnerships, Sarah Porter is dedicated to inspiring support for our marine ecosystems. Most recently she was the director of innovative philanthropy at Hope for Haiti, where she not only spearheaded all northeast fundraising campaigns but also launched the organization's pioneering virtual reality (VR) project, allowing users to virtually explore a school in rural Haiti. Porter's commitment to service includes over two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Republic of Macedonia, followed by founding the New York City Peace Corps Association. A new scuba diver and avid kayaker, she also co-produces short documentaries about nature in urban environments, and is passionate about sea creatures.
Cindy Wainikainen
Regional Support Specialist, Southeast and Gulf (Eastern Regional Office)
Cindy Wainikainen joined the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation in 2026 and is a NOAA affiliate. She supports the regional director and national marine sanctuary sites in the southeastern U.S., including Gray's Reef, Flower Garden Banks, and Florida Keys. Her focus is on strategic planning, budgeting, and coordination of the administrative needs of the region. Prior to this, she worked for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Wildlife Division as the staff services officer for the Small Game Program. Wainikainen received her bachelor's degree in biology, marine sciences from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. During her free time, she enjoys kayaking, weightlifting, and running with her dog.