Local Environmental Advocate Takes Helm Of Concerned Citizens Of Montauk

EAST HAMPTON, NY — A familiar face on the East End will soon be championing the environment as she takes the help of Montauk's oldest and largest environmental organizaton.

Concerned Citizens of Montauk today announced Wednesday that Laura Tooman will join CCOM as president, effective May 1.

She follows in the footsteps of president Jeremy Samuelson.

“We are pleased to welcome Laura as the new President of CCOM,” said CCOM Board Chairman Ed Braun.

“She is a widely-respected environmental policy maker with deep roots in the East End community. Her experience in water quality, coastal planning and the Community Preservation Fund will advance CCOM’s key initiatives," he said. "She’s worked in partnership with CCOM with both New York State and East Hampton Town on Montauk’s environmental challenges and brings an unparalleled fluency and familiarity with our issues. In combination with our recent hire of Kate Rossi-Snook as environmental advocate, Laura Tooman provides increased leadership resources to CCOM’s efforts in serving the Montauk community."

Tooman joins CCOM after more than six years with Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. where she worked with him on statewide environmental planning and other local policy issues. As a member of the Southampton Town Zoning Board of Appeals, Tooman also "developed a thorough understanding of local zoning ordinances, giving her a keen ability to assist CCOM with its review of pending redevelopment proposals in Montauk," a release from CCOM said.

In addition, Tooman also worked for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, where she was the coordinator of the Peconic Estuary Program.

Her resume lists service on environmental task forces and committees including the Town of East Hampton’s wastewater project advisory committee, energy and sustainability committee, and nature preserve committee. She has also served as a technical advisor for the Long Island pesticide use management plan, the New York State seagrass task force, the PEP open shellfishing waters workgroup, the PEP Phase II stormwater workgroup, and the PEP natural resources subcommittee, the release said.

Tooman earned a master’s degree in environmental science and management from the University of Rhode Island.

“I have been a longtime admirer of CCOM’s work and am honored to be entrusted with the responsibility to leadthe organization during such a critical time,” Tooman said. “Montauk is at a crossroads right now and the actions we take will determine our future for generations. I look forward to working collaboratively with the community to set a path that Keeps Montauk Montauk,” she said.

Tooman and her husband, Montauk surfcasters, live in Sag Harbor with their daughter.