Chesapeake Gateways
Brent Everitt
Director of Communications and Visitor Experience
Brent, a seasoned communications and visitor experience professional with nearly 20 years of experience in the National Park Service (NPS), has been at the forefront of digital media, communications, and interpretive programs across diverse parks, programs, and regional offices nationwide. His coastal upbringing in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina cultivated a profound respect for the environment and outdoor recreation, shaping his career trajectory. Holding a Master of Business Administration from The Citadel and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Clemson University, Brent brings a wealth of knowledge to his role.
As the Director of Communication and Visitor Experience at NPS Chesapeake Gateways, Brent leads a dedicated team committed to helping partners provide and promote authentic experiences throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Chesapeake Gateways
Kierstin Klimas
Public Affairs Specialist
Kierstin is a communicator, educator, and leader with a strong background in writing, editing, partnership-building, and higher education. She brings creativity and precision to her work, shaped by her experiences in communications, the arts, historic preservation, academia, and grants, including 5 years of public service. With master’s and bachelor's degrees in English, Creative Writing, French, and Theatre from Temple University, her interdisciplinary background has shaped her understanding of storytelling as a powerful tool to connect, preserve, inspire, and empower. Kierstin joined the team in June 2024 and has since enjoyed bringing her skills and expertise to serve our mission of inspiring connection and fostering stewardship of the watershed.
Kierstin leads communications for National Park Service (NPS) Chesapeake Gateways, developing and sharing stories of the watershed's natural, cultural, and recreational resources across audiences. She develops content, manages media relations, coordinates the growing Chesapeake Gateways Network, and highlights local impact to engage partners and the public in conservation, recreation, and stewardship. Through strategic storytelling, events, and digital outreach, she strengthens the network and empowers visitors to connect with special places and experiences throughout the watershed.
Chesapeake Gateways
Joel Cadoff
Visual Information Specialist
Joel is a creative professional with more than two decades of experience in the National Park Service, specializing in visual communication and interpretive storytelling. He combines a background in design and visitor engagement with leadership in branding, education, and partner collaboration. From managing interpretive programs at Fort Pulaski National Monument to advancing cohesive visual identity across the Chesapeake Gateways Network, Joel’s career has focused on making history, culture, and landscapes more accessible and meaningful to the public.
As the Visual Information Specialist, Joel helps tell the story of Chesapeake Gateways through visuals that connect people to place, blending design, communication, and strategic planning to support the network. He works to make complex systems easier to navigate, whether through launching a sign catalog project or helping partners share their stories more clearly across digital and print platforms. Joel leads internal and external branding efforts to create clear, consistent messaging and visual materials that reflect the identity of Chesapeake Gateways.
Chesapeake Gateways
Brittany Hall
Training Specialist
Born and raised in Baltimore, Brittany has a passion for supporting Chesapeake communities. She has done extensive academic studies in U.S. and World history, with emphasis on African American and Afro-diasporic cultures, and she brings a passion for sharing stories with the public through the power of place. As a subject matter expert in history and visual culture, Brittany is a strategic, multi-disciplinary thinker, and is always happy to give insightful feedback.
Brittany serves as our Training Specialist, coaching partners on developing and employing strategies and programs for stimulating engagement in Chesapeake stewardship, especially in the fields of education, interpretation, and community engagement. Brittany convenes places and partners for workshops, training sessions, and other gatherings to foster sharing of expertise, including the Chesapeake Gateways Annual Partner Meeting. Brittany also coordinates the outreach and interpretive programming on the Roving Ranger, as well as internal professional development improving services to the network.
Chesapeake Gateways
Katherine Eastman
Chesapeake Gateways Ambassador
Katherine (Kat) Eastman Eastman holds a master's degree in environmental policy and management with a concentration in sustainability and currently serves as Chesapeake Gateways Ambassador with the National Park Service (NPS) Chesapeake Gateways through a fellowship in partnership with Appalachian Conservation Corps. Her work bridges environmental science, community engagement, and heritage interpretation with her passion for making the watershed’s history and ecology accessible to many audiences. Drawing on her background in education, research, and program coordination, she focuses on building meaningful connections between people and the natural world.
As a Chesapeake Gateways Ambassador, Kat contributes to the expanding Chesapeake Gateways Network, working with partners at Maryland State Parks within the watershed to draft content, incorporating their ecological and cultural importance into the larger Bay narrative. She supports the planning and execution of the Chesapeake Gateways Annual Partner Meeting, which brings together stakeholders across the watershed to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration. This work reflects Kat's ability to blend communication, coordination, and storytelling to connect people with the region’s natural and cultural resources.
Chesapeake Gateways
London Cobb
Chesapeake Gateways Ambassador
London Cobb, a Maryland native, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Film & Media Studies with a minor in architectural studies from Emory University. During her education, she gained experience in film, theater, design, and communications. Following her graduation in 2024, she continued to hone those creative skills as a graphic designer for VUE Atlanta Magazine. Now, London is utilizing her design and communications expertise as a part of the National Park Service (NPS) Chesapeake Gateways Visual Information Team, where she hopes to continue learning and supporting her home here in the Chesapeake.
London became a Chesapeake Ambassador in May of 2025. She assists in the network’s digital experiences initiatives and is currently working with NPS Chesapeake Gateways as a cinematographer, photographer, illustrator, and graphic designer. She works with partners to update the website, providing them with digital and visual informational aids, and assists with the execution of the Roving Ranger program. London also creates and organizes content for Chesapeake Gateways and its partners to highlight sites and experiences for people to enjoy throughout the watershed.
Chesapeake Gateways
Sarah King
Chesapeake Gateways Ambassador
Originally from North Carolina, Sarah holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Filmmaking from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a concentration in cinematography. Simultaneously passionate about the environment, Sarah earned a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Media Production at American University with a concretion in environmental and wildlife filmmaking. This led her to serve as a Visual Information Specialist Intern at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, then participate in two video fellowships through American University at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts and Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. As an environmental filmmaker, she strives to communicate stories and knowledge surrounding the complex natural resources at national parks through striking imagery.
As a Chesapeake Gateways Ambassador partnering with Conservation Legacy, Sarah assists the Communications and Visitor Experience team by creating digital interpretative content such videos, photographs, website pages, mobile app experiences, and graphics. While traveling throughout the watershed, she films and photographs various Chesapeake Gateways Network Places and Experiences, amplifying and connecting people to the intricacies of the overall Chesapeake story.
Last updated: September 8, 2025