BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Michelle Council
Michelle Council was born in Tallahassee, but her mother and maternal grandparents are from Panama City. She spent her career in a variety of leadership positions in companies serving the oil and gas and public infrastructure markets (Chevron, AECOM). After 23 years in Houston, TX, she moved to Panama City Beach and enjoys being out on her boat, “The Nole Tide”. Michelle graduated from the University of Alabama with degrees in Biology and Chemical Engineering.
“I’ve fished my entire life and it’s important to participate in an organization that is actively involved in protecting this great resource for generations to come” – Michelle C.
Vice President: VACANT
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Secretary: Regina Roat
Regina Roat is a Panama City native and a graduate of Mosely High School. After receiving her degree in Hospitality Administration from Florida State University (Tallahassee), she spent her career as a corporate Human Resources Director in a variety of companies in industries including hospitality, manufacturing, oil and gas subsea construction, and private equity investment. She retired back to Panama City Beach and enjoys being in and around the natural resources of St. Andrew Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
“As someone who boats, fishes, swims and snorkels as often as possible, I’m happy to participate in an organization that advocates for the well being of our estuary.” – Regina R.
Treasurer: Chris Pettys
Christina “Chris” Pettys received her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with a Minor in Biology from the University of Memphis, she went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Phoenix. Chris also is a Florida Licensed CAM. Originally from Lima, Ohio Chris has resided in Bay County most of her life, graduating from Mosley High School. Chris owned and operated her own Accounting and Tax Firm on Panama City Beach for over 15 years, she sold her practice and went into Private Accounting in 2020 to allow more time to do things she loves. Chris loves to volunteer in the community and is active on several local boards.
“As an avid boater, I see the necessity for this program to continue to protect our marine and plant life in our Bay and surrounding waters.” ~ Chris P.
Water Quality Volunteer Chair: VACANT
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Living Shoreline Volunteer Chair: VACANT
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Outreach Chair: Charissa Thacker
As the Marketing Manager at Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort and long time SABW supporter, Charissa is the primary organizer of the Annual “Save the Bay” Golf Tournament. She also holds a BS. Communications.
“Having grown up snorkeling and collecting scallops in St. Andrew Bay since I was a kid, I feel called to help make sure that’s an experience that our community can enjoy for generations to come.” ~ Charissa T.
Member at Large: VACANT
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Scientific Advisor: Mike Brim
Michael Brim is a retired marine biologist who worked thirty-one years for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, all at the Panama City Field Office. During that time he created and headed up two programs.: Environmental Chemical Contaminants and the Coastal Program grants for NGOs. He also did extensive permit work for residential/corporate coastal development and Corps of Engineers projects with the objective of water quality, wetland and seagrass conservation.
For about ten years Mr. Brim was also a member of the adjunct faculty at Gulf Coast State College where he taught The Sea Life of St. Andrew Bay. He was also director for the campus-wide St. Andrew Bay Awareness Day events in 1986 and 1989.
After retirement from the Service, Michael served five years as executive director of the St. Andrew Bay Environmental Study Team (BEST). At best he was one of the producers involved in the documentary film, Fragile Shores — The Sea Waters of St. Andrew Bay, a stormwater management film.
Michael is also a writer who has written three novels, a collection of short stories, three film scripts, a biography,, and one self-improvement book for women. He writes fiction as Michael Goldcraft. At 78, Mr. Brim stays active biking, writing, sailing and enjoying all aspects of the salt water environment.
STAFF
Program Director: Christina Cantrell
Christina oversees the Living Shoreline Initiative and Water Quality Program. Prior to working for Bay Watch, she was involved in several wetland and sea oat restoration projects as well as sea turtle, Choctawhatchee beach mouse and shore bird monitoring programs. Christina holds a M.S. and B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from the University of Tennessee.