McLaughlin lauded by Save The Bay

Dave McLaughlin, co-founder and executive director of Clean Ocean Access, was recently given the Alison J. Walsh Award for outstanding environmental advocacy by Save The Bay. Clean Ocean Access began as a grassroots movement in 2006, after local surfers were experiencing issues with public access and poor water quality. McLaughlin also held several information technology positions at Hasbro Inc. in a career that spanned more than a decade. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in applied mathematics from Florida Institute of Technology.

Could you tell me more about being on the Cliff Walk commission?

The Cliff Walk is a huge tourist attraction, a place for residents to find peace and quiet during the off-season and for fishermen and surfers to enjoy their favorite activities year-round. There are so many priorities to balance, including public safety, public access and preserving the natural beauty and primitive ruggedness. We meet once a month. Safety is a top concern, always.

What Clean Ocean Acces accomplishment are you most proud of?

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For me personally, it would be the building of friendships and positive energy throughout the entire community. What I’ve seen is that when people with the common focus of improving ocean health connect with nature by performing a beneficial activity, personal differences fade away and making the right decisions for the environment is within our reach.

What made you transition from a corporate career to one that focuses on the environment?

I’ve always been focused on the environment, riding waves is in my blood! In 2013, I was diagnosed with cancer and it made me realize that life is extremely short and that opportunities present themselves in a way that require taking a chance, rather than wondering what-if. When I left Hasbro, I left on the best of terms, it was a beginning rather than an end. •

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