Staff & Board
Meet the local, hardworking citizens at the helm of Florida Bay Forever.
Board of Directors
CAROLYN WIGHTMAN
Carolyn Wightman joined the board of directors in June 2022. She has been a resident and homeowner in the Florida Keys since the 1970’s. Carolyn connected with the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean after graduating from Stanford University in California and then living in the South Pacific islands of Tonga while with the Peace Corps. Married to legendary backcountry guide Captain Eddie Wightman, the waters of Florida Bay are part of the family. She says there’s hardly a blade of seagrass in Florida Bay that Eddie doesn’t know intimately, and their son Topher, also a captain, has grown up with salt water in his veins. As an entrepreneur and business owner, she’s an active educator and supporter of protecting our fragile environment. She has been a Take Stock in Children Mentor since 2010 and is a supporter of Friends of the Pool, the Fighting Manatees swim group, and the Saving Alligator Lighthouse Project. For several years she has served as Chairperson of the Parks & Recreation Committee for the Village of Islamorada.
John “Jay” Lentini
A full-time Keys resident since 2006, he is originally from Boston but went to college in Sarasota and spent 32 years in the Atlanta area. He owned an off-the grid and later on-the-grid home in No Name Key from 2001-2019 and was instrumental in bringing power, sewers and water to the island. He now lives in Islamorada with his wife, Nancy. He still enjoys an active career as a fire investigation consultant, operating as Scientific Fire Analysis, LLC. He has years of experience as a thought leader in the forensic science profession, chairing standards development agencies for fire investigations, analytical chemistry, and co-ordination of various forensic science disciplines. He has a lifelong interest in environmental protection and hopes to use his organizational skills to advance the cause of bringing more clean water for the bay.
Staff
Jodie Cerra
Educator & Program Manager
Jodie serves as the Program Manager and Educator at Florida Bay Forever, bringing a rich background in education and outdoor programming for school-aged children. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Florida State University, with minors in Biology and Education. Jodie is certified in both Project WILD and Aquatic Project WILD.
She brings a vibrant passion for the outdoors to her work at Florida Bay Forever. With a background rooted in hands-on, nature-based education, her experience spans from science museums and zoos to roles as a camp counselor, outdoor educator, Marine Lab instructor, and substitute teacher within Monroe County schools. She’s also served as a campground host at Cedar Breaks National Monument and facilitated ropes courses at Florida State University, always driven by a love for sharing the natural world with others.
At Florida Bay Forever, Jodie leads interpretive nature walks through the hardwood hammocks of Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve, inspiring school groups and visitors alike. She plays a key role in developing engaging educational programs and leading community outreach initiatives that help connect youth and families to the unique ecosystems of Florida Bay. Whether hiking through the hammock or soaking in the peace of the bay, Jodie is continually inspired by the beauty of the Florida Keys and brings her energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm to every encounter.
Cody McDaniel
Eco Center Store Manager
Cody was born and raised in Blunt, South Dakota. After graduating from college he taught high school History and Marketing for over 20 years. Cody also has an extensive background in management, merchandising, and sales promotion.
Cody has been full time in Islamorada for just a few years but has coming down for long and short stays for nearly 40 years. He looks forward to keeping the store stocked and appealing to our visitors and continuing with the variety of educational opportunities provided by Florida Bay Forever.
