FOSI Board of Directors

Friends of the Spoil Islands
Board of Directors

John Bacon

President

Originally from Vermont, John Bacon studied Recreation Impact Management. Helped to build both ski and hiking trails without displacing wildlife. This included endangered species maintaining animal corridor and feeding areas. Developed other areas for recreation allowing human and animal coexistence.

Spent 41 years in skiing as a pro racer, ski school director, racing director, and US coach.

Looks forward to working with FOSI to develop spoil islands making them suitable for recreational needs leaving minimal footprints.

S. Lee Bowden

Vice President

Over 30 years of executive hotel and resort operations and sales and marketing experience in destination resorts and hotels throughout the United States and the Caribbean.  Beginning his career in convention service at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, Mr. Bowden progressed rapidly into sales and marketing and operations.

Mr. Bowden has a wide background in sales and marketing, golf, spa, and the development of unique amenities such as falconry, shooting, and off-road driving.  His strength is in repositioning properties into the luxury markets, team building, and overall creativity.  Additionally, Mr. Bowden has led many construction and design teams in building, rebuilding, and rebranding resorts while improving profitability.

Mr. Bowden has consistently exceeded guest expectations measures, improved overall guest satisfaction while maintaining and cultivating relationships with owners, management companies, and the communities in which he was located.

Peter Saxon

Secretary

Earned a BS in Chemistry, studied graduate level Advanced Chemistry, and received a JD in law.  He became a senior partner at a nationally known Intellectual Property (IP) firm in NYC, helping it grow from 15 to 180 attorneys.  He represented Fortune 500 corporations and appeared in major IP litigations. He became President of the largest regional IP association in the US, appeared before the Supreme Court and was very active in national bar associations. 

After retiring from the firm, Peter moved to Block Island where he helped found the Block Island Yacht Club and presided over local charitable associations involved with affordable housing and business development. 

Peter and his wife  Kathleen moved to Vero Beach in 2017 where he became Secretary and Board member of his HOA, leading its efforts to oppose a large chain from developing a site on Orchid Island and persuading  the county to provide a proper barrier to protect bikers and pedestrians on the Michaels Bridge over the IR Lagoon. 

He joined the Vero Bech Yacht Club where he became a Board Member, a chair of the Planning and Human Resources Committee, and a member of the Membership Committee and various card clubs. He helped plan and supervise the installation of automatic entry doors and the patio pergola and expansion, including permitting mangrove removal, and seawall expansion.

Jeff Brasse

Treasurer

Spent over 30 years in wealth management as a Senior Investment Advisor. In the past, he spent time with Childcare Resources in Vero Beach and helped build homes for Habitat for Humanity. He has 13 years of law enforcement experience where he served as a Florida State Auxiliary Trooper and an Indian River County Reserve Deputy, assigned primarily to the K-9 units with both agencies. He holds a BS in Economics and a Masters In Finance.

He is dedicated to supporting our waterways to facilitate enjoyment, recreation and learning in our beautiful Indian River Lagoon.  He routinely volunteers to clean the Spoil Islands and support projects on the Islands.

Joe Taglione

Board Member

A proud US Army Veteran who moved down from upstate NY over six years ago with his family.

He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, and golfing. He is employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs as the Director, Enterprise Cyber Security Team, and is President of his own company, T6 Solution Delivery, Inc.

Respected as a fearless leader who brings strong attributes such as: effective decision making, project management, strategic planning and contracting expertise for more than 35 years. Holds degrees in Electrical Engineering Technology and a Masters Certificate in Information Technology Project Management from George Washington University.

Committed to working with FOSI and its mission to the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserve spoil islands and educating others about the importance of the spoil islands as valuable educational, recreational, and conservation resources.

Douglas Mott

Board Member

The Founder and CEO of MetaParse, a software development and data analysis company serving the education and dentistry sectors nationwide. With more than twenty five years of experience, he has led innovative technology initiatives that help schools, districts, and organizations improve performance and outcomes.

Since 2019, Douglas has served on the board of Friends of the Spoil Islands (FOSI), where he is dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission to preserve, protect, and promote the Spoil Islands within the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserve. A frequent boater and regular visitor to the islands, he combines professional expertise with personal passion to raise awareness and support for this unique natural treasure.

Von Harvey

Board Member

Sean Kashawlic

Board Member