Richard Dietrich Appointed to the Marine & Environmental Research Institute’s Board of Directors

BLUE HILL, Maine - Sept. 16, 2015 - PRLog -- The Marine & Environmental Research Institute, a nonprofit scientific organization dedicated to protecting wildlife and people from the harmful impacts of toxic chemical exposure, today announced the appointment of Richard Dietrich, President of the Dietrich American Foundation, to its Board of Directors. Dietrich will chair the Development Committee as well as provide counsel on broader development initiatives and strategic plans to advance the attainment of the Institute’s key goals.

“Richard brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and vision to our board just at the time when the organization is poised for exponential growth. His passion for the ocean environment that sustains us and his commitment to our long-range goal to improve life on the Planet make him an invaluable addition to our Board of Directors,” said Institute Director and Founder Dr. Susan Shaw. “I am thrilled to welcome Richard to the Marine & Environmental Research Institute’s board, and look forward to supporting his role as our new Chair of Development.”

Dietrich brings deep environmental experience and nonprofit organization development skills to the Institute’s board, in addition to a longstanding commitment to environmental preservation.  His development experience includes work with environmental organizations such as the North American Land Trust, the American Farmland Trust, the Sierra Club and Conservation International.  He has also worked for the Inter-American Development Bank and the US Agency for International Development.  He began his career as an aide to Senator Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island.

A resident of Chevy Chase Maryland, Dietrich currently serves on the Boards of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Museum of the American Revolution. Additionally Dietrich is a member of the Decorative Arts Trust and the Washington Decorative Arts Forum.  He holds a B.A. from Wesleyan University and an M.B.A. from the Yale school of Management.

“We believe strongly in the mission of the Marine and Environmental Research Institute, as an organization committed to environmental and human health.  The oceans serve to sustain us, and also act as an indicator for the planet's health,” said Dietrich. “Under Susan Shaw's leadership MERI remains at the forefront of research and public advocacy, serving as an effective and nimble champion for healthy oceans and healthy people.  We are deeply committed to its continued success.”

About the Marine & Environmental Research Institute
The Marine & Environmental Research Institute in Blue Hill, Maine, is a nonprofit scientific organization dedicated to protecting wildlife and people from the harmful impacts of toxic chemical exposure. Through research and education, the Institute informs policymakers and the public about the health risks and environmental effects of exposure to chemicals. Current initiatives address plastics and micro plastics pollution in the marine environment, toxic exposure and cancer among firefighters and the adverse effects of chemical dispersants in oil spill response. For more information, please visit the Institute online at www.meriresearch.org,e-mail info@meriresearch.org or call 207-374-2135.