Meet the Team
Michael Capizola
Executive Committee Chair/Cleanup Coordinator
Michael has been a part of Surfrider's South Jersey Chapter since 2023. He first became involved with the foundation after reaching out to organize the construction of an Ocean Friendly Garden at Ventnor Middle School, where he teaches science. He is also the head of the school's Green Team and serves as the district representative for the Ventnor City Green Team.
As head of the school's Green Team, Michael plans monthly beach cleanups and has created districtwide green initiatives including a program encouraging students to use reusable water bottles, a printer ink and office supply recycling program, and a save-for-snack food conservation program. Additionally, he plans several other school activities including the district's Earth Week celebration and tree plantings.
As the South Jersey chapter's Chair and Beach Cleanup Coordinator, Michael is excited to plan activities to get more students and families involved in helping the natural world we all share and reduce the amount of waste in our Oceans.
As head of the school's Green Team, Michael plans monthly beach cleanups and has created districtwide green initiatives including a program encouraging students to use reusable water bottles, a printer ink and office supply recycling program, and a save-for-snack food conservation program. Additionally, he plans several other school activities including the district's Earth Week celebration and tree plantings.
As the South Jersey chapter's Chair and Beach Cleanup Coordinator, Michael is excited to plan activities to get more students and families involved in helping the natural world we all share and reduce the amount of waste in our Oceans.
Bill Stuempfig
Executive Committee Vice Chair/OFG Coordinator
Bill has spent all his life on the water, surfing at age 10, captain at 20, sailing, diving, fishing, paddling. He has been an active volunteer at South Jersey Surfrider for over 20 years. His life has been dedicated to teaching others to appreciate and protect our oceans and bays. Through the use of rain barrels and community gardens, Bill supports the Ocean Friendly Gardens program to reduce run-off and conserve water. BIll and his wife Carol have built and installed 100 rain barrels in South Jersey. They have also installed 90 monofilament recycling containers. The Rise Above Plastic program was instrumental in the campaign to eliminate single use plastic bags. A BIG WIN! Love the ocean, treat her like your best friend.
Margo Pellegrino
Executive Committee Treasurer
Margo has been a member of Surfrider Foundation for over 20 years and a lover of the outdoors since she could form a thought. She grew up spending summers by the ocean and remembers many adventures and misadventures with her late father in the back bays, getting stuck on sandbars in small rented skiffs, building sand castles on the beach and being tumbled by waves. Margo believes fully in Surfrider’s mission to “protect and enjoy the world’s beaches, ocean, and waves.” Her activism has enabled her to enjoy and experience the nation’s coasts, as well as to meet amazing people all over who enjoy and protect their special places. She hopes to share that awe and love for our ocean, and through Surfrider Foundation’s campaigns and programs, motivate others to care for our watery world.
Meaghan Netherby
Ocean Friendly Restaurant Coordinator
Bio coming soon!
Wendy Newton
At-Large
Wendy's love for the ocean has been a constant in her life. Growing up in Ocean City and Cape May, New Jersey, she spent countless days on the water and at the beach, building a deep and lasting connection with the ocean and the natural world. Over a decade ago, what began as a simple inquiry about surf lessons for her youngest led her to the Surfrider Foundation, where she quickly found a community that shared her passion for protecting the places she loves. For the past ten years, Wendy has been actively involved with the South Jersey Chapter and currently serves as the At-Large Chair.
For Wendy, this work truly comes from the heart. She believes deeply in the healing power of the ocean and the sense of peace and connection people feel when they are in or near the water. Wendy loves bringing people together through community events and cleanups, sharing knowledge about protecting our oceans, bays, and waterways. Her youngest daughter, Audrey, has grown up alongside the Surfrider community and has been actively involved with the organization for nearly as long, often joining her mom at beach cleanups, events and Surfrider Foundation conventions. Wendy’s passion for protecting the planet also extends into her family life, including an inspiring cross-country backpacking journey she shared with her oldest daughter, Belinda. They traveled from New Jersey to California & Mexico, caring for and restoring the land and waterways they encountered. Above all, she believes deeply in protecting our oceans, bays, waterways, and the earth itself so that future generations can experience the same sense of wonder and belonging that the water has always given her.
For Wendy, this work truly comes from the heart. She believes deeply in the healing power of the ocean and the sense of peace and connection people feel when they are in or near the water. Wendy loves bringing people together through community events and cleanups, sharing knowledge about protecting our oceans, bays, and waterways. Her youngest daughter, Audrey, has grown up alongside the Surfrider community and has been actively involved with the organization for nearly as long, often joining her mom at beach cleanups, events and Surfrider Foundation conventions. Wendy’s passion for protecting the planet also extends into her family life, including an inspiring cross-country backpacking journey she shared with her oldest daughter, Belinda. They traveled from New Jersey to California & Mexico, caring for and restoring the land and waterways they encountered. Above all, she believes deeply in protecting our oceans, bays, waterways, and the earth itself so that future generations can experience the same sense of wonder and belonging that the water has always given her.