Green Oceans Appoints New President

LITTLE COMPTON, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Green Oceans today announced the appointment of Michael Lombardi as President of the organization, marking a new chapter in the nonprofit’s continued focus on marine conservation, scientific inquiry, and responsible ocean stewardship.

Lombardi, who recently joined Green Oceans as a Trustee, brings more than three decades of underwater experience in marine science, offshore exploration, and subsea technology development.

Recognized for his leadership, Lombardi was named among Providence Business News’ Forty Under 40 and later received support from the National Geographic Society as an Explorer advancing technologies for continental shelf science and exploration. He was also recognized among the inaugural cohort of Chartered Marine Technologists under Royal Charter through the Marine Technology Society and IMarEST.

A published author, inventor, and entrepreneur, Lombardi also worked with industry partners and support from CommerceRI under former Governor Gina Raimondo, during the COVID-19 pandemic to adapt diving systems know-how to positive-pressure respiratory technologies in emergency medical applications that helped save lives during the public health crisis.

Dr. Lisa Quattrocki Knight, who previously served as President, will remain actively involved with Green Oceans as a member of the Board of Trustees.

“Michael brings a rare combination of scientific curiosity, technical expertise, operational experience, and deep respect for the ocean environment,” said Lisa Quattrocki Knight, Co-founder and Trustee of Green Oceans. “Green Oceans was founded on the principle that our marine ecosystems deserve thoughtful stewardship grounded in science, transparency, and long-term responsibility. Mike’s leadership reflects those values, and I’m excited to continue supporting the organization alongside him as we advance our mission.”

The leadership transition comes at an important time for Green Oceans, which has active litigation related to three offshore wind projects in various states of development and operation off the New England Coast, all undertaken as part of its mission to protect the Ocean from sprawling industrialization.

When asked about the importance of Green Oceans mission, he stated, “I’m honored to have received this appointment, and more importantly the trust of our Board and constituents. The manner in which we [humans] extend ourselves from shore is perhaps the most important undertaking in human history – I live that pursuit every single day. I have personally seen and experienced the greatest of gifts that the ocean affords - from new species providing clues into combatting disease, to fisheries sustaining our local communities, to know-how guiding the development of life saving technology.”

“We all owe the ocean far more than it owes us,” he said, “Rhode Island, the Ocean State, is ground zero for the most important environmental battle of our time - our ideology must be guided by continued scientific inquiry, not concessions that enable industrial overreach under the guise of some greater good. We have serious work to do.”

About Green Oceans

Founded in 2023, Green Oceans is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of the ocean and the life it supports. Green Oceans and its coalition, which includes Native American tribes, environmental, energy, and fishing groups, have worked to challenge large-scale offshore wind development based on its documented impacts on marine ecosystems, energy costs, livelihoods, and national security.