American Littoral Society Welcomes New Executive Director, Danielle McCulloch

Daniell McCulloch (L) and Tim Dillingham outside Littoral Society HQ on Sandy Hook.

The American Littoral Society, a leader in coastal conservation since 1961, is proud to announce Danielle McCulloch as its new Executive Director, succeeding Tim Dillingham, who has led the organization for the past 23 years.
 
“I am incredibly excited to welcome Danielle,” said Tim Dillingham “She’s been an incredible partner for years and is the perfect person to lead the Society’s work. The combination of her scientific expertise, her ability to work with differing communities and her passion for caring for the coast make her the right woman for the moment. I am sure under her leadership, the American Littoral Society will continue to lead and accomplish its mission with strength, innovation and dedication.” Dillingham has led the Society since 2003, as its second Executive Director, succeeding Dery Bennett.
 
With over 20 years of experience in coastal conservation, Danielle is dedicated to protecting fish, wildlife, and coastal communities. Her passion began along the shores of Chesapeake Bay, where she saw firsthand how storms and floods impacted local people and ecosystems, motivating her to work to defend the coast.
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"I’m honored to join this extraordinary team," Danielle said, "and to build on the remarkable legacy of Dery Bennett and Tim Dillingham. I’m dedicated to guide the Society to meet the challenges where land, water, and community meet, so our coasts remain places of beauty, protection, and life for generations to come."

Danielle began her career at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, advancing research on oyster reef restoration, living shorelines, and fisheries issues. Following Hurricane Sandy, she led recovery projects and resilience policy work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in New Jersey, later directing habitat restoration and multi-sector partnerships through its Coastal Program. Twice honored with the Service’s Strategic Conservation Award, she is known for championing nature-based solutions to flooding, habitat loss, and community resilience.  
 
“We are so excited to have Danielle at the helm, to expand the Society’s impact by blending science, policy, and on-the-ground conservation to advance and secure meaningful protection of our coasts, coastal wildlife, and the communities that depend on them. Tim’s excellent leadership has positioned us well for continued conservation success under Danielle’s direction,” concluded Tally Blumberg, President of the Board of Trustees.
 
Under Danielle’s leadership, the American Littoral Society is entering an exciting new chapter further advancing solutions for resilience and conservation challenges along our coasts.