Our Board of Trustees
John Kauterman, Co-Founder & Board Member
John, a lifelong resident of Cape May County, has dedicated nearly two decades to the commercial fishing industry, cultivating a deep respect for the ocean and coastal environments. From his earliest days, he found solace and inspiration in the tidelands of Avalon and Stone Harbor, NJ, where he pursues his passions for nature photography and recreational fishing. These experiences have given him a front-row seat to the gradual but troubling degradation of New Jersey’s wetlands—a decline he has witnessed firsthand over the years.
In late 2019, driven by a profound desire to make a lasting difference, John made a New Year’s resolution to take action. What began as a personal mission quickly became a tireless commitment; over the next three years, he single-handedly removed thousands of pounds of debris from New Jersey’s tidelands. With each piece of trash cleared, he strengthened his resolve to restore the natural beauty of these vital ecosystems.
By early 2024, John’s work had garnered a groundswell of grassroots support, signaling that his mission had grown beyond a solo endeavor. Recognizing the need for a formal structure, he partnered with a long-time friend to establish The Tidelands Initiative—a New Jersey non-profit dedicated to the conservation and restoration of coastal landscapes. Through this initiative, John channels his unwavering commitment to protecting the wetlands, tirelessly working to preserve the environment that has brought him so much joy. His journey reflects a steadfast dedication to ensuring that future generations can experience the beauty and tranquility of New Jersey’s coastal ecosystems.
Kevin Dougherty, Co-Founder & Board Member
Kevin, originally from Pennsylvania, is now a dual resident of Westfield and Avalon, NJ since 2005. He has rooted himself in the fabric of both communities, fostering relationships that span his professional and personal life. With over twenty years of experience in pharmaceutical supply chain, Kevin has dedicated his career to ensuring the seamless production and delivery of life-saving medications to patients around the world. His commitment to making a positive impact extends well beyond the workplace.
An avid saltwater fisherman, Kevin discovered not only a love for the sport but also a close friendship with John, beginning in 2008. Their shared passion for environmental stewardship and the coastal waters of New Jersey would eventually inspire a larger mission. In addition to fishing, Kevin is a devoted coach of youth lacrosse and ice hockey, guiding various teams on which his three children proudly play. His involvement in these sports reflects his belief in teamwork, discipline, and community, values he also instills in the next generation.
In the spring of 2024, Kevin formally launched the Tidelands Initiative, a New Jersey non-profit organization created to bring John’s vision of a cleaner, more sustainable world to life.
Catherine Bomboy Dougherty, Board Member
Catherine is a Communications Senior Executive in the beauty industry and a devoted mother to three salt-water enthusiasts who share her love for the ocean. With a career marked by innovation and impact, she has elevated consumer engagement for a diverse array of brands, shaping their identities through culture-defining partnerships, groundbreaking communication strategies, and authentic storytelling. Her expertise lies not only in crafting compelling narratives but also in building meaningful connections that resonate deeply with audiences.
Catherine is passionately committed to philanthropy. She has championed cause-driven initiatives such as M·A·C VIVA GLAM, The Estée Lauder Companies Breast Cancer Campaign, and Writing Change with The Estée Lauder Companies and poet Amanda Gorman—programs that aim to drive social impact and inspire change. Her dedication to making a difference extends to her role as a guardian of New Jersey’s natural beauty. With a profound personal connection to the Jersey Shore, where she and her family find their greatest peace and joy, Catherine is fiercely committed to preserving the wetlands that make this landscape so unique.