Thomas Cutt
Stony Creek,CT
Summary
Highly motivated marine conservation professional with over 15 years of experience in marine animal research, stranding response, rehabilitation, and data management. Proven ability to lead and manage teams, oversee complex operations, and develop and implement effective conservation strategies.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Freelance Consultant & Grant Proposal Writer
Self-employed
Stony Creek, Connecticut
01.2024 - Current
- Developed compelling grant proposals to secure funding for various projects and initiatives focused on marine conservation.
- Collaborated with program managers to align proposals with organizational goals and mission.
- Conducted thorough research on potential funding sources and grant opportunities.
Executive Director & Lead Scientist
MOC Marine Institute
Wailuku, Hawaiʻi
05.2018 - 12.2023
- Oversaw all aspects of MOC Marine Institute's day-to-day operations, including stranding response, rehabilitation, research, conservation initiatives, and resource management.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive fundraising strategies to enhance donor engagement and retention, securing more than $500,000 annually.
- Developed and managed partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to advance the mission of MOC Marine Institute.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance marine conservation efforts and educational outreach programs on the island of Maui, including the Fishing Line Recycling Program, island-wide sea turtle stranding response network, rapid response coral restoration, and ghost net collection team.
- Pioneered the establishment of Hawaii's first dedicated sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation facility, treating an average of 300 sick or injured sea turtles annually.
- Developed and implemented effective sea turtle rehabilitation treatment protocols, including a groundbreaking multi-modal approach for flipper entanglement injuries in collaboration with NOAA Fisheries.
Chief Conservation Officer
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Juno Beach, Florida
08.2013 - 04.2018
- Led a multidisciplinary team of marine scientists and educators to develop and implement innovative environmental education programs and conservation initiatives with a global impact.
- Directed daily operations and strategic planning for the Education, Conservation, Operations, Volunteer, and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation departments.
- Conceptualized, developed, and executed high-impact community-based initiatives including Project SHIELD, Responsible Pier Initiative, Florida Balloon Ban, Cigarette Litter Prevention Program, and the Sea Turtle Protection Zone, demonstrating a proven track record in driving positive environmental change.
- Developed strategic initiatives and programming to enhance visitor experiences while promoting environmental stewardship principles.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with local, regional, and national stakeholders to advance conservation goals and secure funding.
Director of Operations
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Juno Beach, Florida
03.2011 - 07.2013
- Streamlined operational workflows to enhance efficiency and promote collaboration across all departments.
- Directed daily operations and strategic planning for the Education, Operations, Volunteer, and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation departments.
- Analyzed operational data to identify trends, informing decision-making for process improvements, including the introduction of using Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) to measure success of the center's retail operations.
- Led cross-functional teams (Education, Rehabilitation, and Research departments) to develop strategic initiatives aligned with Loggerhead Marinelife Center's mission.
- Fostered partnerships with local organizations to expand community outreach and conservation efforts, including partnership with Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation to assume responsibility for the management of the Juno Beach Fishing Pier.
- Established the Conservation Department.
Sea Turtle Hospital Coordinator/Rehabilitation Technician
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Juno Beach, Florida
11.2008 - 03.2011
- Managed the hospital's daily operations, patient care, and staff, optimizing patient outcomes and resource allocation while ensuraning compliance with permit regulations.
- Managed communication between medical staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
- Provided hands-on care for sick and injured sea turtles.
- Mentored junior staff in best practices for patient interaction and care protocols to foster development.
Sea Turtle Research Technician
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Juno Beach, Florida
03.2008 - 09.2010
- Conducted field research, collected data, and supported research projects, contributing to the advancement of sea turtle conservation.
Education
B.S. - Environmental Science
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR01-2013
Skills
- Field Research
- Field Research
- Field Research
- Field Research
- Field Research
- Field Research
- Field Research
- Field Research
- Field Research
- Field Research
- Field Research
- Field Research
Websites
Certification
- Certified Rescue Diver, PADI
- Certified Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver, PADI
- Certified Emergency First Response - CPR & AED, PADI
- Certified Advanced Freediver, PADI
Timeline
Freelance Consultant & Grant Proposal Writer
Self-employed
01.2024 - Current
Executive Director & Lead Scientist
MOC Marine Institute
05.2018 - 12.2023
Chief Conservation Officer
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
08.2013 - 04.2018
Director of Operations
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
03.2011 - 07.2013
Sea Turtle Hospital Coordinator/Rehabilitation Technician
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
11.2008 - 03.2011
Sea Turtle Research Technician
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
03.2008 - 09.2010
B.S. - Environmental Science
Oregon State University
Select Publications & Presentations
- Wyneken J, Salmon M, Cutt, TJ, McLeish D, Gaos AR. Head shape, Foraging strategies, and Prey Selection in two sympatric sea turtle species. International Congress of Vertebrate Morphology. Cairns, Queensland, Australia. July 2023.
- Cutt TJ, Browne CYK, Levine GA, Gaos AR, Mungai ME, Kelley IK, Martin SL. Interactions of Marine Turtles with Nearshore Recreational Fishing Gear on the Island of Maui, Hawai‘i. 41st International Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation. Cartagena, Colombia. March 2023.
- Mungai ME, Cutt TJ, Browne CYK, Martin SL, Kelley IK, Balazs GH. Using Motocol Marks to Monitor Post-Release Behavior of Green Sea Turtles (Honu - Chelonia mydas) on Maui. 41st International Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation. Cartagena, Colombia. March 2023.
- Levine GA, McCurdy PJ, Cutt TJ, Browne CYK, Martin SL. Laser Therapy to the Rescue for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. On-Demand Webinar, Multi Radiance Medical. June 2023.
- Cutt TJ, Browne CYK. Interactions of Marine Turtles with Fisheries on the Island of Maui. 2nd Annual Workshop on Sea Turtle Research and Conservation in the Hawaiian Islands/Oceania, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, U.S.A. April 2022.
- Cutt TJ, Gunderson KU, Martin JA. Lawa‘ia Pono: Engaging Recreational Anglers in Sea Turtle Conservation and Evaluating Impacts. 2019 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, U.S.A. July 2019.
- Cutt TJ, Fox DS. Using Charismatic Sea Turtles to Influence Policy: Loggerhead Marinelife Center's Balloon Ban Initiative. 6th International Marine Debris Conference. San Diego, California, U.S.A. March 2018.
- Cutt TJ. Responsible Pier Initiative. Florida Marine Turtle Permit Holder's Meeting. St. Augustine, Florida, U.S.A. January 2018.
- Cutt TJ, Fox DS. Loggerhead Marinelife Center's Project SHIELD: Conservation Solutions for Reducing Anthropogenic Interactions. Florida Keys Sea Turtle Workshop. Marathon, Florida, U.S.A. December 2016.
- Cutt TJ. Turning Data into Policy: Loggerhead Marinelife Center's Balloon Ban Initiative. Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup: Asia Pacific Regional Conference. Hong Kong, S.R.A. November 2016.
- Cutt TJ, Fox DS. Responsible Pier Initiative. 35th International Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation. Dalaman, Mulga, Turkey. April 2015.
Select Conferences
- 41st International Sea Turtle Symposium (2023) Cartagena, Colombia
- 38th International Sea Turtle Symposium (2018) Kobe, Japan
- 37th International Sea Turtle Symposium (2017) Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- International Coastal Cleanup Asia Pacific Coordinators Meeting (2016) Hong Kong SAR, China
- International Marine Conservation Congress (2016) St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
- 36th International Sea Turtle Symposium (2016) Lima, Peru
- IUCN World Conservation Congress (2016) Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
- 35th International Sea Turtle Symposium (2015) Dalaman, Turkey
- 33rd International Sea Turtle Symposium (2013) Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- 32nd International Sea Turtle Symposium (2012) Huatulco, Mexico
- 6th International Marine Debris Conference (2018) San Diego, California, USA