Executive Director Named to Lead QBC

Harpswell, Maine—After a national search, the Quahog Bay Conservancy (QBC) has hired Harpswell resident Laura Campbell to lead the organization as its new executive director.

QBC, a conservation nonprofit organization in Harpswell, is dedicated to revitalizing the ecosystem of Quahog Bay so it remains healthy and resilient for the communities that depend on it. Founded by Mary and Pat Scanlan, conservationists determined to address pollution levels in the bay, QBC raises awareness through sustainable oyster aquaculture, ecosystem monitoring and education.

“With a solid strategic vision for the Quahog Bay Conservancy, Laura will lead the QBC team through the next several years of growth and transition, as we build our new science center on Waddles Wharf.” Pat Scanlan said. “We’re thrilled to have Laura in this role. She brings a world of experience to us, right here in Harpswell.”

Campbell brings more than two decades of global experience in strategic planning, organizational growth and community engagement to help protect Maine’s working waterfront. Before returning to Maine, Campbell was a U.S. foreign service officer managing complex development programs that bridged science-informed policy with on-the-ground impact in Bolivia, Egypt, South Sudan, Senegal and Washington, D.C. Earlier in her career she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nicaragua.

Campbell graduated from Bates College, received a masters degree in public health from Boston University, and also received a master of science degree from the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School.

“As someone deeply invested in our community and its working waterfront, I am honored to join the Quahog Bay Conservancy as the interim executive director. I am excited to work with the hard-working, knowledgeable and dedicated QBC team and am eager to combine my professional expertise with my passion to protect the place I call home,” Campbell said.

Campbell will lead the organization during a period of growth over the next several years. In addition to moving into its new headquarters and marine science center at Waddles Wharf in 2028, QBC is expanding its role as a hub for science, conservation and community. The facility will provide space for research collaboration, student learning, and public engagement, while strengthening QBC’s core programs in aquaculture, ecosystem restoration and education. This reflects the organization’s vision to create lasting impact on the bay’s health and resilience, while building strong partnerships with the local community, researchers and conservation leaders throughout Casco Bay.

QBC’s programs take an ecosystem-wide approach to restoring and protecting Quahog Bay. The Conservancy monitors water quality, tracking bacteria, nutrients and phytoplankton trends; conducts year-round marine debris removal and works to reduce invasive green crab populations and works to reduce pollution in the bay and provides a free boat pumpout service. Its sustainable oyster aquaculture program, Snow Island Oysters, produced more than 235,000 oysters this year, with all proceeds reinvested into conservation work. QBC also invests in the next generation of marine scientists through a paid summer internship program and undergraduate research partnerships, providing hands-on experience in fieldwork, lab analysis and conservation projects.

The Quahog Bay Conservancy

QBC was founded in 2015. Its mission is to revitalize the ecosystem of Quahog Bay to a robust and resilient state for all communities that depend on it. We do this through sustainable oyster aquaculture, ecosystem monitoring and community education. Our goal is to conserve natural habitats, protect native wildlife, foster environmental stewards, support Maine’s working waterfront, and partner with like-minded organizations and individuals.