Salisbury University student Allison Fitzhugh is no stranger to waterman's ways. The youngest daughter of our managing partner, she's been immersed in the world of commercial fishing, crabbing and oyster farming from birth. As a member of our hatchery team, you'll find Allie - and her trusted yellow lab Baylor - in Crocheron where she helps produce larvae and seed for our farm and oyster growers in the Mid-Atlantic.

With deep family roots on Hoopers Island, Bobby grew up in Cambridge before moving to Fishing Creek and working as a watermen first full-time and later part-time while serving as a production manager for a local industrial manufacturer. Today, combining his experience as a commercial fisherman and equipment fabricator, Bobby is uniquely qualified to oversee our oyster production facilities.

Growing up surrounded by water, Natalie was inspired to pursue a career dedicated to reversing the crippling impact overfishing and population growth had on the Chesapeake Bay. While earning her B.S. in Environmental Studies & Biology from Randolph-Macon, she worked to educate others as Green Chair of Students for Environmental Action. Today, this experienced biologist and research professional is part of a dedicated team of scientists raising millions of oysters.

Master metal welder John Tall hand crafts our precision aquaculture equipment from raw material to completed product. He burnished his skills over dozens of years at a world-renowned metal manufacturer. John now translates our patented designs into Hoopers Island's signature line of equipment including Pearlception 2.0, the first American-made high-speed laser guided oyster sorter and grader.

For 23 years, David has worked to improve the lives of the fragile and often underserved members of our community. He began his career as a sales representative for a medical devices manufacturer, eventually becoming co-owner and operator of several nursing homes. Born and raised in Maryland, David and his family share a passion for the environment. At Hoopers, he supports all divisions to achieve our company's mission.

Originally from Baltimore, Stephanie grew up boating and gravitated toward marine science and nature from an early age. Passionate about living sustainably and practicing what she preaches, our newest team member is an aquatic biologist with tremendous environmental experience. Stephanie worked with Wildlife International and most recently conducted compliance monitoring for energy and infrastructure projects impacting wetlands.