WATERTOWN, MA — Meredith Avery, Director of Natural Sciences in VHB’s Watertown, Massachusetts, office, was recently appointed to the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) Board of Directors. MACC is a statewide nonprofit organization committed to protecting wetlands, open space, and biological diversity through education and advocacy.

Avery leads a team of wetland scientists working on energy, transportation, and real estate projects throughout Massachusetts. For nearly 25 years, she has focused on developing permitting strategies and comprehensive environmental review to help move important infrastructure projects forward. Among her signature projects are the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s South Coast Rail and I-90 interchange project in Allston, Terminal E at Logan International Airport, and the MBTA’s systemwide Positive Trail Control project.

In addition to her involvement with MACC, Meredith brings 15 years of conservation commission experience. She previously served as the Chair of the Melrose Conservation Commission where she assisted in drafting the city’s first wetland protection ordinance. She is currently serving as Vice-Chair of the Sharon Conservation Commission. Avery has a Bachelor of Science in zoology from the University of New Hampshire and studied urban and environmental policy at Tufts University.

MACC provides environmental education and training assistance to more than 2,000 Massachusetts conservation commissioners who administer the Massachusetts Conservation Commission Act and Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act in their communities.

“I am happy to be able to support the important role that local conservation commissions play in protecting wetlands and open space throughout the Commonwealth. As a member of the Board of Directors, I look forward to contributing to their mission through education and supporting advocacy initiatives,” Avery said.