About Us
Rhode Island Sea Grant established the Sea Grant Energy Liaison Initiative to serve the National Sea Grant Office and its network of nationwide programs.
We work to provide Sea Grant partners and their audiences with the information they need to optimize their roles as informed participants in evolving energy discussions in coastal communities happening all over the country.
By strengthening Sea Grant’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to domestic energy development, the Liaison ensures that Sea Grant constituents, including commercial and recreational fishermen, coastal communities, energy developers, tribal governments, and state and local decision-makers, have timely access to objective information, applied research, and technical expertise needed to support responsible energy growth. A core function of the Liaison is addressing workforce gaps by building the technical, policy, and professional skills of early-career and next-generation energy professionals, while supporting vibrant, resilient coastal communities, economies, and environments informed by sound science and engaged decision-making.
Our Team
The National Sea Grant Offshore Wind Energy Liaison Team is based at Rhode Island Sea Grant in partnership with the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography.
-
National Sea Grant Energy Liaison Lead
Jennifer McCann has contributed to catalyzing the development of the U.S. offshore energy sector and advanced ocean energy planning and multi-use management both nationally and internationally. She played a leadership role in siting the first offshore wind farm in the United States, establishing a science-based model for marine spatial planning and multi-use decision-making. This work secured millions in research funding and supported interdisciplinary graduate research, technical training, and workforce development, positioning URI as a hub for ocean innovation and leadership. As National Sea Grant Energy Liaison, Jennifer convenes hundreds of practitioners, researchers, students, and community members annually, advancing informed, community-centered decision-making in coastal and ocean energy. She has strengthened capacity across Sea Grant programs, delivered training for practitioners globally, and provided technical guidance to municipalities, industry, federal agencies, and community partners. In her role as Director of Extension for Rhode Island Sea Grant, Jennifer provides strategic leadership for up to 12 staff, drives organizational continuity, and builds a high-performing, mission-aligned team. She leads interdisciplinary programs spanning coastal and ocean planning, offshore renewable energy, fisheries and aquaculture, and resilient coastal communities. She also advances funding sustainability, diversifies revenue streams, and forges high-impact partnerships, ensuring long-term program resilience and national impact. Jennifers leadership bridges science, policy, and community engagement, driving sustainable, innovative, and resilient solutions for coastal and ocean systems at local, national, and international scales.
-
Ocean Planning Specialist
Abbey Greene is an Ocean Planning Specialist and Extension Agent at the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Sea Grant. Abbey is the Program Manager for the National Sea Grant Energy Liaison Initiative, which provides science communication resources and public learning opportunities open to 34 Sea Grant programs around the country, building their capacity around public engagement and energy. She specializes in disseminating scientific information and creating collaborative spaces for all interested parties to come together and reach solutions. To do this kind of work, she has taken several trainings to hone her skills in facilitation, conflict resolution, and communication.
Before graduating with her master's degree in Environmental Science and Management, she worked for several years in the communications realm, focusing on media and event management surrounding environmental issues. She worked at Jackson Wild for four years, organizing their annual conference, related workshops and events, and their renowned nature-filmmaking award show, working with partners such as BBC, National Geographic, PBS, and others. In addition, she led the World Wildlife Day celebration at the United Nations headquarters in partnership with CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) for three years, working to inspire action for our planet's wildlife and biodiversity. She also worked at WGBH in Boston as a Program Assistant, collaborating with several local animation artists to pitch ideas for animated shows that communicated real science to diverse audiences.
-
Communications Specialist
Sue Kennedy is a communications specialist at Rhode Island Sea Grant. For more than 20 years, Sue has provided coastal programs with writing expertise across portfolios of work at Sea Grant: coastal and ocean planning, coastal resilience building, and sustainable fisheries. She develops text products for information sharing, storytelling, and fundraising efforts for both online and hard-copy use, and serves as a media and public relations strategist for the programs. She previously applied her writing skills in the state’s economic development arena and as a reporter or editor for several local newspapers. Sue also serves on the City of Warwick Wildlife & Conservation Commission.