Save the Bay names Hamblett as executive director

A familiar face to Save the Bay’s environmental advocacy work will take the helm as its new leader.  

The nonprofit’s board of directors Monday announced the appointment of Topher Hamblett as its executive director. Hamblett had served as the organization’s leader on an interim basis since June 2023, after the retirement of former executive director Jonathan Stone. 

“The executive director seat comes with a responsibility that is, to me, a privilege and a great opportunity to lead Save The Bay to new heights,” Hamblett said in a statement. “I am thrilled to continue to work with our community of partners, members, supporters, and volunteers in this capacity.”

Board members touted Hamblett’s leadership and experience with Save the Bay, where he has worked for three decades, most of that time as its director of advocacy.

“Anyone who takes the helm needs a unique skill set, complete with an understanding of how to move the needle on policy issues, how to unite people around a common cause, and how to communicate complex topics—as well as an ethos of hard work and integrity,” George Shuster, a board member who co-chaired the search committee for the job, said in a statement. “Topher brings all this and more to the position.”

Save the Bay hired Boston-based consulting firm TSNE to assist its internal search committee with finding a new leader. The national search included review of more than 100 candidates, according to Katy Dorchies Nutini, a spokesperson for the nonprofit.