Boothbay Sea and Science Center Appoints Attorney Mark Rees to Board

Rees brings legal expertise and passion for maritime education to the organization

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

The Boothbay Sea and Science Center (BSSC) has announced the appointment of Mark Rees, a distinguished attorney based in Bethesda, Maryland, to its board of directors. Rees, who holds degrees from Bates College, Northeastern University School of Law, and Columbia University School of Law, brings decades of legal expertise and a lifelong passion for maritime education to the organization.

Why it matters

BSSC's mission of tying sailing with hands-on marine science learning is seen as unique and compelling, and Rees' appointment to the board will help the organization continue to grow its programs and reach more students in Maine.

The details

Rees first connected with BSSC through the Maine State Bar Association, and his interest in the Center is rooted in his personal history of sailing gaff-rigged Baybirds on Cape Cod and his burgeoning interest in the sustainability and applications of seaweed aquaculture. BSSC's executive director, Pauline Dion, said Rees' legal experience in both the private and public sectors, combined with his dedication to environmental non-profits, will be an invaluable asset as the organization continues to expand.

  • Rees was appointed to the BSSC board of directors in February 2026.

The players

Mark Rees

A distinguished attorney based in Bethesda, Maryland, who holds degrees from Bates College, Northeastern University School of Law, and Columbia University School of Law, and brings decades of legal expertise and a lifelong passion for maritime education to the Boothbay Sea and Science Center.

Pauline Dion

The executive director of the Boothbay Sea and Science Center, who said Rees' legal experience and dedication to environmental non-profits will be an invaluable asset as the organization continues to grow its programs and reach more students.

Boothbay Sea and Science Center

A non-profit organization that provides affordable and experiential maritime education to Maine's youth, with a mission of tying sailing with hands-on marine science learning.

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What they’re saying

“I find BSSC's mission unique and compelling. The way the Center ties sailing with hands-on marine science learning is brilliant. Extending this educational component throughout the academic year makes its mission downright compelling.”

— Mark Rees, Attorney and new board member (Boothbay Register)

“We are thrilled to welcome Mark to our leadership team. His legal experience in both the private and public sectors, combined with his dedication to environmental non-profits, will be an invaluable asset as we continue to grow our programs and reach more students.”

— Pauline Dion, Executive Director (Boothbay Register)

What’s next

Rees plans to eventually relocate to Maine and looks forward to contributing his energy to fostering BSSC's mission of providing affordable and experiential maritime education to the state's youth.

The takeaway

The appointment of an experienced attorney like Mark Rees to the board of the Boothbay Sea and Science Center highlights the organization's commitment to expanding its reach and impact in Maine through innovative maritime education programs.