Partnerships and Grants Branch

Edward Gonzalez

Director of Partnerships & Grants

Currently serving as the Director of Partnerships and Grants, Eddie bridges his passion and dedicated career in science, leadership, and community engagement and conservation in service of the National Park Service (NPS) Chesapeake Gateways mission. Having worked with the World Wildlife Fund, National Park Foundation, National Audubon Society, and Living Oceans Foundation, Eddie’s professional background combined with his Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Regis University and Bachelor of Science in Geology and Biology from Brown University informs his dedication to collaboration and outreach to support core, shared strategic interests.

With NPS Chesapeake Gateways, Eddie offers strategic guidance and oversight of our financial and technical assistance opportunities and leads the Chesapeake Gateways Communities Initiative. He strengthens partner capacity to benefit from cultural, historical, and natural assets while engaging our range of stakeholders across governments, communities, private sector partners, and many others.

Kate Marks Hardy

Partnership Coordinator

Kate Marks Hardy has worked across federal, state, and nonprofit roles to put her expertise and passion for history, preservation, and partnership-building to service. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in History from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management from Notre Dame of Maryland, her academic and professional background has been rooted in the Chesapeake. Having worked with the Historical Electronics Museum, Heritage Preservation, and the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, Kate joined the National Park Service (NPS) in 2012 and has served with the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Hampton National Historic Site, the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, and NPS Chesapeake Gateways.

As Partnership Coordinator, Kate leads regional collaboration through the Chesapeake Gateways Communities Initiative, manages cooperative agreements, and supports grant compliance. Kate partners with the team to deliver our monthly e-newsletter, coordinate the annual partner meeting, and host interactive web chats that strengthen knowledge-sharing across the network.

Aurelia Gracia

Outdoor Recreation and Compliance Coordinator

Aurelia Gracia grew up in South Texas and went on to earn her master’s degree in policy resource analysis and parks and conservation from Texas A&M University. Her career has given her the chance to live and work in California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Puerto Rico, Virginia, Maryland and Florida, each place adding to her love of the outdoors and community connections. She now calls Arizona home, where she enjoys traveling, outdoor sports, exploring new places, and spending time with friends and family.

Aurelia Gracia has served with the National Park Service for seven years and is currently our Outdoor Recreation Planner, managing project agreements and partnerships, overseeing environmental compliance determinations for projects and grants, and advising on public access initiatives. She is recognized as a subject matter expert in outdoor recreation and conservation, helping to advance community connections to natural and cultural resources across the Chesapeake region.

Samantha Utt

Grants Project Coordinator

Samantha holds a master's degree in park and resource management from Slippery Rock University and a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from Salisbury University. She enjoys spending her free time outdoors, whether hiking scenic trails, kayaking on the water, or go camping to stay connected with the Bay.

As the Grant Projects Coordinator, Samantha manages grant agreements and provides technical expertise to ensure compliance, accountability, and effective program delivery. She works closely with partners and applicants throughout the annual grant cycle to strengthen network capacity and foster collaboration, ultimately ensuring resources are used effectively to advance conservation, education, and public engagement across the watershed.

Last updated: September 8, 2025

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