Leadership & Staff
Michael Iacono, Interim Executive Director and Chief Scientist, in the role of Interim Executive Director, Mike is overseeing all aspects of the Observatory’s nonprofit work across climate research, education and outreach. As Chief Scientist, Mike leads climate research at the Observatory. He has been a part-time volunteer since 1987; he was an observer from 1987 until 2020, and he has been Chief Scientist since 2015. He conducts and presents studies on local climate change, and he is leading an effort to prepare a digital archive of the extensive Blue Hill daily observations. In addition, he manages and is a primary developer of the organization’s website. Mike has a M.S. in Atmospheric Science from the State University of New York at Albany, and he is also a Senior Staff Scientist at Atmospheric and Environmental Research (now part of JANUS Research Group) where he conducts research on atmospheric radiation modeling. Contact Mike at: miacono@bluehill.org. 
Cheryl Cummings, Director of Strategic Partnerships, is passionate to build lasting organizations focused on positive social change. Since 2020, Cheryl has led organizational development, fundraising and marketing and communications at the Observatory. Cheryl has a 20-year management background supporting CEOs and Leadership Teams of esteemed organizations (nonprofit and for profit) seeking to establish effective management practices and growth strategies that strengthen service delivery and gain market share. Contact Cheryl at: ccummings@bluehill.org
Matthew Douglas, Chief Observer, coordinates the daily operation of the Observing Program at Blue Hill. Matt has had a life-long interest in meteorology, which has culminated in him becoming an experienced forecaster and weather observer. He has previous experience working as a forecaster for a private weather firm in the early 2000’s. Matt rejoined the team at Blue Hill in August 2019, after previously working at BHO as an observer from 1997-2005. He became Chief Observer in early 2023. Contact Matt at: mdouglas@bluehill.org
Krista Fincke, Director of STEM Education, has devoted her career to closing student learning gaps in STEM by growing teachers’ instructional practices in the classroom and developing standards-aligned 5th – 8th grade science curriculum. At The Observatory, Krista oversees educational programming, including the pilot program “Picture Post for Environmental Conservation,” a climate education program that leverages The Observatory’s climate data to investigate environmental change taking place at Great Blue Hill. Krista will lead the development of other new programs for K-12 educators and students as it expands its impact in the Greater Boston area. Krista has been a science educator for over 10 years and has a Master’s in Education Policy from University of Washington. Contact Krista at: kfincke@bluehill.org
Don McCasland, Director of Operations, is an educator and kite historian who joined the staff as Program Director in 2000. He received his BFA in Visual Design for the Communication Arts from Emerson College and has taught about harnessing the wind with kites and sky appreciation for over 35 years. In addition to managing all aspects of the Observatory’s national historic landmark building, Don supports educational programming at the Observatory including the popular “Launch Your Career in Meteorology” and “Kite Making.” Contact Don at: dmccasland@bluehill.org
Amanda Joly, Assistant Chief Weather Observer and Programs Specialist, is a meteorologist by training and weather observer and educator at the Observatory since 2023. Amanda recently graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell with a Master’s in Environmental Studies plus a concentration in atmospheric science. Amanda is committed to fostering educational programs that enhance public awareness and understanding of weather systems and their impact on daily life. Contact Amanda at: ajoly@bluehill.org
Charles T. Orloff, Executive Director (Emeritus) In 1998, Charles T. Orloff founded a new science center at the Blue Hill Observatory and served as Executive Director for twenty-seven years. He established educational programs that have motivated thousands of aspiring meteorologists and scientists, while ensuring the continuity of the Observatory’s climate record. Charles played a key role in safeguarding and sustaining this nationally recognized historic landmark through two significant renovation projects. Due to his efforts, a dedicated community of supporters plays a vital role in advancing the Observatory’s mission. Charles holds degrees from Boston University and the University of Hartford and has a “Special Studies in Education” certificate from Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Robert Skilling, Chief Observer (Emeritus), began working at Blue Hill as a part-time observer in 1960. He became the Chief Observer in 1978 and served in that role until his retirement in 2015. Bob has also maintained the Hingham, MA cooperative observer weather station since the 1950’s.
Dr. William Minsinger, President (Emeritus), recently retired from his 30-year full time practice of orthopedic surgery and has volunteered his time to the Observatory for over 40 years. He has authored six books on New England hurricanes and floods as well as numerous articles on historic weather events and the history of the Observatory. In 1980, Bill was instrumental in establishing the non-profit organization that now runs all aspects of research, teaching, and programming at Blue Hill Observatory.
Board of Directors
Tamara Shapiro Ledley, Ph.D., Chair, is President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Earth Science Information Partners, Secretary of the Education Section of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a STEM Education Consultant, and Adjunct Professor at Bentley University. Dr. Ledley was a 2017 Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative Fellow and the 2013 recipient of the Excellence in Geophysical Education from the American Geophysical Union. She has also served as Chair of the Center for Teaching and Learning at TERC.
Kellyanne Mahoney, Secretary, is the Youth Program Specialist at Autodesk, Former: Boston Public Schools Teacher and Boston Globe Journalist. She is an experienced Curriculum Developer with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Skilled in Edtech, Lesson Planning, Educational Technology, Team Building, and Journalism. She has a master’s degree focused in Education from University of Massachusetts Boston.
Derrick Dominque, Treasurer, recently served as the Director of Finance and Operations at RCAB St. Katharine Drexel Parish Boston, MA for seven years where he led a small portfolio of Archdiocesan parish organizations through strategic reorganizations for economic sustainability. He developed program budgets and financial reporting to maximize resources in support of programmatic initiatives, while managing day-to-day organizational operations and systemic risk management.
Bruce T. Anderson, Board Member, is Professor & Associate Chair of the Department of Earth and Environment at Boston University. Professor Anderson’s research interests include global and regional climate variability and change; atmospheric dynamics and hydrology; large-scale ocean/atmosphere interactions; climate/land-surface/vegetation monitoring and forecasting. Professor Anderson is serving on the Observatory’s program committee where his teaching expertise and scientific background is supporting new educational content development.
Jason Brewer, Board Member, is Vice President & Lead Meteorologist, Business Insurance at Marsh McLennan Agency.Jason joined MMA in May of 2023 as a licensed property and casualty broker with a focus on real estate/hospitality, cleantech, and renewable energy. He is also a veteran meteorologist with decades of experience analyzing and communicating natural hazard and climate data in an understandable way that helps us protect from destructive weather and plan for future impacts. He’s covered storms across the country and is dedicated to providing information that helps us adapt and build resilience, make informed decisions, and manage risk. He’s earned the designation of Certified Broadcast Meteorologist from the American Meteorological Society and has degrees in Earth Science and Meteorology from Baylor University and Metropolitan State College of Denver.
Christine Caswell, Board Member, is Director of Media Relations, McNeil, Gray & Rice Strategic Communications and Lecturer in Communication and Journalism, Boston College. Christine has taught thousands of undergraduate students at Boston College during the past 20 years and ignites the storytelling passion within them to go and cover the stories of our lives. Dozens of her former students are local, national and international journalists at network and major market affiliates. Christine has 3 decades of professional expertise as a television and radio news journalist; most in the major market of Boston, MA.
Milton Irving, Board Member, is the former Executive Director of the Timothy Network. He is widely celebrated as a pioneering advocate for digital equity. Since 2011 Milton has served as the CEO and Executive Director of the Timothy Smith Network (TSN), a Boston-based technology foundation dedicated to empowering Boston residents, nonprofit organizations and neighboring communities. Throughout his career, Irving has worked tirelessly to bring transformative access to technology for those who need it most. Before leading TSN, Irving made a significant impact in Washington, D.C., as part of One Economy Corporation. There, he partnered with C-suite executives, NGOs, and elected officials to deliver innovative online services to underserved populations.
Kevin Lemanowicz, Board Member, Boston 25 News Chief Meteorologist, was the station’s first chief meteorologists in 1996, and has guided viewers through all the twists and turns of New England weather ever since! Kevin is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) recognized by the American Meteorological Society. He is also Silver Circle Honoree, a special recognition from the Boston/New England chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences honoring veteran television professionals who’ve made significant contributions to their community and in their field of expertise for at least 25 years.
Janice Richards, Board Member, has expertise that spans corporate and non-profit marketing, strategic planning and development. After holding several senior marketing positions at CBS Publishing and CBS Inc, Janice founded a marketing consulting firm providing services to corporations and non-profit organizations including ACGT, a cancer gene therapy research foundation, Audubon Greenwich, and an orthopedic and neurology group. She has been actively involved as a volunteer in the Greenwich (CT) community, serving as an executive vice-president of the Greenwich YWCA, president of several PTA organizations for Greenwich Public Schools, and president of the Greenwich Land Trust, a conservation organization. Janice has active interests in meteorology, climate change and geology.
Samilys Rodriguez, Board Member, is Director of Workforce Development & Industry Inclusion at Associated General Contractors of MA where she promotes vocational and educational pathways into the construction industry while enhancing DEIB as part of the industry culture. She is a business operation, administration, project /program management and equity and inclusion professional with deep knowledge and understanding of the procurement practices within the vertical construction in the public and private sectors at all levels of engagement.
Bob Thompson, Board Member, retired as the Meteorologist-in-Charge of the Boston/Norton National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office at the end of April 2018 after a 45-year career with the NWS. He started his career at the Boston Weather Forecast Office as a Student Trainee in the early 1970s and served in various NWS locations including Alaska, Maryland, and Nevada before returning to the Boston area in November 1989 as manager of the Boston office. He has also taught as an adjunct professor at Anna Maria College. Bob holds a B.S. in meteorology from Florida State University and a M.S. in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington.
Tim Kelley, Board Member (Emeritus), is a weather historian and TV Meteorologist with various channels thirty-five years. Tim has logged the weather every single day since his first air date with NECN on March 2, 1992. For the past ten years Tim played an instrumental role in Blue Hill Observatory’s Summer Meteorology Program that provides youth with the unique opportunity to explore careers in meteorology—many have gone on to become meteorologist.
Volunteers
The Observatory operates with support from a small group of volunteers—all ages and stages— throughout the year. We currently have four high school students who contribute on a regular basis by working in the gift shop, leading tours, helping with cleaning and landscaping and other projects. We also support high school and college interns during the summer who receive training on all aspects of the Observatory operations including Observing, Tours, Educational Programs, Gift Shop Management, Building Maintenance and Landscape Work. These internships are mutually beneficial as the Observatory gets crucial work done and the students learn a variety of skills and develop understanding about the history of Blue Hill. They also gain experience by participating in the one-day corporate volunteer events hosted by the Observatory.
