Tom Fagan, President

Tom Fagan grew up blocks from the ocean, attending Asbury Park High School. Tom, a board member since 1984 works full time as a member of the Communications Workers of America Union, Local #1075. Tom, a true waterman, is an avid beach comber, wave rider, and scuba diver. Tom recalls that before COA was founded in 1985, there were many small voices speaking out against the degradation of the ocean. COA’s organization of those voices into a much larger one is what inspires him to remain a committed board member and true blue advocate for the ocean.  

Jeff Martin, Vice President

Jeff was originally born in Morris County, NJ, spending many summers at the Jersey Shore and eventually moving to Cape May in 1995 after attending Ramapo College. Working for a kayak tour outfit, Jeff eventually bought the business. He became a biology teacher in 2002 and continues to teach ocean/marine science to high school students. As a COA board member, Jeff is proud to be a powerful and professional voice for the ocean. As a surfer, kayaker, SUP-er, teacher, diver and science teacher, Jeff NEEDS a healthy ocean - we agree wholeheartedly and thank you for being a voice for the ocean with us, Jeff!

Joey Garofalo, Secretary

Joey Garofalo was raised in Monmouth County spending every day of the summer at the beach in Sea Bright during his childhood. The ocean is incredibly important to him and he is “grateful for the opportunity to contribute to COA’s work. I support COA because it is at the forefront of the fight to rid our waters of pollution since 1984 and has made significant progress to improve the quality of waterways for future generations.”  Joey has 10 years of experience in the events industry, booking and promoting live music events at the University of Vermont and New York City. He is the owner of Beacon Events which operates several large scale 5K race events in the area, as well as Cocktail Caravan, a mobile bar and event rental company. Joey has coordinated Run the Hook, a 5K fun race at Sandy Hook to benefit COA for the past four years.

Valerie Montecalvo, Treasurer

Valerie resides in Highlands as President, Owner, and CEO of Bayshore Recycling Corp. Along with her husband, Frank, Valerie has over 38 years of experience in the contracting and environmental fields. She is also a Trustee on the Board of the NJ Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. Additionally, Valerie supports numerous charities, foundations and local causes. As a COA Board Member, Valerie champions COA mission of ocean advocacy throughout the community. Valerie is an avid water and motorsport enthusiast who relies on the watershed for relaxation and enjoyment. Thank you, Valerie, for your dedication to COA over the many years!

Pat Bennekamper

Pat, a resident of Brick Township, NJ, began volunteering with Clean Ocean Action in the 1980s when medical waste wash-ups were a common occurrence at the Jersey shore and New Jersey was known as "the Ocean Dumping Capital of the World." She and her beloved late husband Bob, shared a seat on the board since 2002. Bob worked for over 40 years with American Steel Erector, both as a project manager and estimator. Following the tragedy of September 11, 2001, Bob assisted for several days in New York City at ground zero. COA appreciates the dedication and commitment to ocean protection that Pat brings to the Board of Trustees.

Jim Lovgren

Jim Lovgren of Shelter Cove, CA, formerly of Brick, NJ, is a retired commercial fisherman whose livelihood was dependent upon a clean and healthy ocean. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Garden State Seafood Association. A board member since 2004, Jim continues to be committed to protecting the ocean. 

Shari Nastasi

Shari Nastasi resides in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, and works in the field of Neuro-Imuno Pharmacology. Over the years, Shari has spent a great deal of time in Southampton, NY, where she championed many beach, dune and wildlife preservation projects, including saving piping plovers. Shari brings her passion for the environment and clean beaches to the Clean Ocean Action Board of Trustees.

D. W. Bennett
President and Founder
1984 - 2009
 American Littoral Society

Adelaide (Scottie) Franklin 
Member Emeritus