Keep Manatee Beautiful celebrates 15 years

Pat Copeland - Sun Staff Writer

board walk For 15 years, members of Keep Manatee Beautiful have inspired the community to become involved in cleaning and protecting our environment through a host of programs and events that appeal to everyone from bankers to bartenders.

At the helm of this organization is Ingrid McClellan, its executive director for the past 11 years,who said the success of the group lies in its strong board of directors.

"We have a great board," McClellan said. "They can serve two two-year terms and all of them stay for four years. Our board members have a lot of history, experience and motivation. They are very committed.

"The stability allows them to focus their energy on making changes and helping with events and programs. They do a lot of the work.We are one big team."

However, a lot of the credit goes to McClellan as the source of the board’s inspiration. She has spent her career working in environmental and marine sciences, communication and education. She holds master’s degrees in arts/mass communications, education/science education and science/natural basis."

Mike Howe, executive director of the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization agreed and noted, "From the early days, she has been the backbone of getting things done for this organization. She has the passion, commitment and talent to achieve that kind of success that benefits the entire community."

Dantia Gould, of Holmes Beach, who will become the group’s chairperson on Sept. 21, said McClellan is "an unbelievable asset.She’s very good at working with people and encouraging people to do things.

"People on the board come and go but she has been there for 11 years. To be that devoted is something we shouldn’t take for granted."

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