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April 26, 2024
Miami Waterkeeper is pleased to announce that three exceptional individuals have stepped up to serve on Miami Waterkeeper’s Board of Directors. These dedicated professionals bring considerable talent and expertise to guide our efforts to preserve and protect the treasured waters that make South Florida our home.
“Our organization is grateful to benefit from the expertise and guidance of these experienced community leaders,” said Dr. Rachel Silverstein, Executive Director and Waterkeeper. “Their contributions will directly support our efforts to protect the water you love and we look forward to their important service on our Board of Directors.”
Nick Semaca is an experienced business leader and strategist with nearly 20 years of experience at the international consulting firm McKinsey & Company. He also worked with several non-profit human service organizations in Chicago and internationally, both as a board member and a pro-bono consultant. Since his retirement, he has become an active investor in a number of start-ups. Drawn to Miami’s beautiful water, Nick is new to South Florida and when he heard about the work we do at Miami Waterkeeper, he immediately wanted to support our mission. “Our water is under threat - and as a new resident, I want to roll up my sleeves to help,” he said. In his first year as director, Nick plans to help expand Miami Waterkeeper’s presence. “I want to make more South Florida residents and businesses aware of and engaged in the work we do. Everybody should be concerned about the state of the water. Let’s build an army of individuals to protect and improve our water for all.”
Tracy Slavens, Partner, Holland & Knight - Tracy specializes in land use, zoning, real estate, environmental, and government law. Her practice is focused on the South Florida region, with a particular emphasis in Miami-Dade County and its numerous municipalities. She represents clients with matters before county and municipal governments, regulatory boards and state agencies to obtain developmental approvals and vested rights, as well as permitting, platting, water and sewer, and environmental issues for all types of projects. Having grown up on Key Biscayne and now residing in Miami Beach, Tracy has always lived near the water. She witnessed the changes in Biscayne Bay and wanted to take action. Tracy is a long-time supporter of Miami Waterkeeper, having served on past host committees and making her voice heard at Commission meetings. Tracy joined Miami Waterkeeper to advocate for the health and protection of our water and environment, and to spread awareness in the community.
Aaron Stauber, Esq., Principal and President, Rugby Realty Group - As an active scuba diver and kiteboarder, Aaron became concerned when frequent beach closures were afflicting Crandon Beach on Key Biscayne. Seeking answers, he came across the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science and felt certain that the school would have the answers to the water pollution issues he needed. He enrolled in a master’s program to study marine conservation and conducted his internship research project with Miami Waterkeeper, studying septic tanks and developing our septic campaign. Equipped with an immense knowledge about Miami’s water quality issues, Aaron then embarked upon a stormwater research campaign with Miami Waterkeeper and joined the board of directors to further his impact through our work. Aaron received his JD from Georgetown University Law Center in 1988, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and went on to start a successful career in commercial real estate development. He was born and raised in Miami Beach and, after raising his three children in New York, returned to South Florida with his wife in 2015. In his new board role, he intends to work with the community to help them prepare for the challenges that the future holds.