Current Commission Board Membership and Term Limits

Jamie Green, Commissioner of Marine Resources
*If you would like to contact the Board of Commissioners, please email web.info@mrc.virginia.gov*

Associate Board Members:

TERM ENDING 2028

Mr. Preston M. White

Preston M. White, a resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia, is an avid traveler, sometimes fisherman, and farmer. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction from Virginia Tech and served as a Radioman Second Class (RM2) in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. Currently, he is the Corporate Advisor at Century Concrete and partner in Tazewell Associates. Mr. White’s commitment to education and community service is evident through his extensive involvement on various boards. He has formerly served on the Virginia Tech Foundation Board, the Board of Visitors at Christopher Newport, the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Board, the Board of Visitors at Eastern Virginia Medical School and the Higher Education Council.

Mr. Thomas Preston

Thomas Preston was born and raised in Westmoreland County, Virginia. After graduating from Washington and Lee High School in 1999, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Upon returning from his enlistment, Mr. Preston resumed his passion as an avid recreational angler and commercial fisherman on the Potomac River and its Virginia tributaries. As a second-generation waterman in the Northern Neck, he is now raising the third generation. Mr. Preston possesses extensive knowledge of the local area and its natural resources and understands how these resources support the local economy. A graduate of Liberty University, Mr. Preston manages and operates 5th Day Fisheries, serves as the Explosives Safety Officer for the NSWCDD Command, and is the Senior Pastor for Popes Creek Baptist Church. These roles have provided him with a deep understanding and awareness of the natural resources within Virginia's tidal waterways.

TERM ENDING JUNE 30, 2027

Mrs. Jeannette Edwards

Appointed to the Commission by Governor Glenn Youngkin in September 2023. Mrs. Edwards of Onley, VA serves as the CEO of Eastern Shore Rural Health System, Inc. She has a degree in biology from Salisbury State University, and she has received many accolades over the years, including the Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award in 2022, and the Soroptimist Club’s Ruby Award for Women Helping Women. Mrs. Edwards was the co-owner of Edwards’ Seafood on Route 13 in Onley, which earned her the title of Small Business Person of the Year in 2016.

Mr. Patrick Hand

Appointed to the Commission by Governer Glenn Youngkin in September 2023.

TERM ENDING JUNE 30, 2026

Mr. A.J. Erskine

Mr. A.J. Erskine joined Cowart Seafood Corporation and Bevans Oyster Company in 2005 to develop oyster aquaculture programs. Today, the companies are vertically integrated and operate intensive and extensive aquaculture operations that are some of the largest on the east coast. Mr. Erskine has a degree in biology from the University of New Hampshire and a masters in marine science from the College of William and Mary. He lives in Weems and enjoys being on the water and spending time with his family.

Mrs. Lynn Kellum

Mrs. Lynn Kellum, President of Ampro Shipyard & Diesel, has deep roots in the maritime industry, having grown up in a commercial waterman’s family and spending summers working on commercial and charter fishing boats. She has held significant roles, including serving on the Commission during the McDonnell and McAuliffe administrations and as an Associate Commissioner on the Potomac River Fisheries Commission. Beyond her professional achievements, Mrs. Kellum is deeply committed to her community. She volunteers her time to the VMRC Waterman’s Apprenticeship Program, helping train and mentor the next generation of watermen. Her previous involvement with the Reedville Fisherman’s Museum and Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury highlights her dedication to preserving maritime heritage. In her leisure time, she enjoys photography, kayaking, and fishing, remaining closely connected to the Chesapeake Bay's natural beauty. Mrs. Kellum's contributions to the maritime industry and community exemplify her passion and dedication to preserving the waterman’s way of life.

TERM ENDING JUNE 30, 2025

Mr. Will Bransom of Virginia Beach, VA

William "Will" Bransom of Virginia Beach, VA was appointed to the Commission by Governor Glenn Youngkin in May 2022. Will Bransom was raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in Richmond in 1978 and received a Commission in the United States Navy in 1983. Following a 35 year career he retired in 2013 with the rank of Captain. He's an avid saltwater angler, recreational diver, technical diver, and Commercial Captain.

Mr. Spencer Headley of Reedville, VA

Appointed to the Commission by Governor Glenn Youngkin in April 2022. Jeremy Spencer Headley (Spencer) born and raised on the waterfront in Reedville Virginia is an avid recreational angler and commercial fisherman on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries for over 35 years. Spencer has a vast experience covering many facets of the things people enjoy doing on the Bay. His expertise of fisheries and geographical knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay will serve as an invaluable resource on the Commission. Spencer and his wife Erin, of over 10 years, enjoy camping and many other environmental activities when they are not working.

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For questions related to the Commission meetings please contact:

Michele Guilford, Commissioner's Assistant, at (757) 247-2206; Michele.Guilford@mrc.virginia.gov
380 Fenwick Road
Fort Monroe, VA 23651


Page updated: 2:41 PM Wednesday, August 7, 2024