Our Team
The Green Oceans Team
Elizabeth (Lisa) Quattrocki Knight, M.D., Ph.D.
Co-founder and President
As the president of Green Oceans, Dr. Elizabeth (Lisa) Quattrocki Knight brings scientific expertise and dedication to the organization. Dr. Quattrocki Knight’s background in neuroscience and psychiatry enables her to recognize the crucial role that a healthy environment plays in promoting mental health and overall societal well-being. She employs her scientific expertise to develop evidence-based strategies to address the current tension between climate advocacy and marine conservation.
Dr. Quattrocki Knight's service on educational boards, including the Yale School of Management, the Yale Medical Alumni, American Repertory Theater, and the Stanford Parents Board has provided her valuable organizational experience. Through her leadership and background, Green Oceans has launched initiatives to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect the ocean and all of the life it sustains against industrialization. She advocates for climate solutions that will allow us to transition away from fossil fuels without compromising biodiversity and the health of the ocean.
Bill Thompson
Co-founder and Vice President
As an internationally renowned artist, Bill Thompson brings a unique and profound vision to Green Oceans. His communication skills allow him to touch the hearts and minds of diverse individuals with varied, even contrary points of view. His commitment, dedication, and passion have advanced the mission to advocate for responsible, safe, collaborative solutions to climate change. Deeply respectful of the power and beauty of nature, he works tirelessly to help protect our oceans for future generations.
Bryan Haggerty
Treasurer
With an unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and a demonstrated track record in finance and startup enterprises, Bryan brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Treasurer at Green Oceans. Boasting a 20-year career in finance and two decades of experience working with smaller private enterprises, Bryan has adeptly navigated the complexities of the business world. This wealth of experience now converges with his profound passion for safeguarding our ocean environment.
Katie Hamilton Gewirz
Secretary
For much of her life, Katie has been motivated by her love of the outdoors, fitness, and a healthy lifestyle. She is a beekeeper, marathon runner (100+ completed), recreational sailor, plein air artist, angler, avid gardener, and professional floral designer. She brings with her a tireless energy and a lifelong appreciation of the natural world enhanced by her courses at the National Outdoor Leadership School. She married into a family whose contribution to the Aquidneck Island community started in the1950’s. Katie currently serves as a Co-Chair of the Protecting Paradise Campaign of the local bird sanctuary; is a member of the governance and nominating committees for the local land trust; and serves on the garden & landscape, as well as campaign committee, for the Preservation Society.
Barbara Chapman
Trustee
Barbara Brink Chapman is a retired land use lawyer and educator, who has served as counsel to the New York City Planning Commission. A graduate of Princeton and University of Virginia Law School, she and her family have lived on Aquidneck Island for over 30 years, close to wetland habitats. When not resident in Newport she resides in Palm Beach, Florida and Antigua. She is an active native plant gardener in all three locations and serves on the Board of the Elkhorn Marine Conservancy protecting marine life on the eastern coast of Antigua. In addition she is involved in studying and mitigating beach erosion in and around Exchange Bay, Antigua.
Charlotte Du Hamel
Trustee
As a devoted Montessori teacher, Charlotte nurtures young minds and cares about the world her students will inherit. In the classroom, she fosters an environment that encourages exploration, independence, and a genuine love of learning. Outside the classroom, she embraces the awe that nature brings to her life and brings her teaching skills to advance the mission of Green Oceans. Charlotte's commitment to education and her unwavering adoration for the ocean create a harmonious blend that fuels her journey to combat climate change while protecting the ocean against industrialization.