Tilly Coyle, Executive Director

Tilly Coyle has worked at several notable Bay-serving organizations, such as the Chesapeake Bay Funders Network and the Oyster Recovery Partnership. She began her restoration career as an EPA Fellow at the Chesapeake Research Consortium in the Chesapeake Bay Program Office, facilitating communication among scientists and resource managers to support conservation initiatives. As an educator, Tilly led the development of the International Baccalaureate curriculum and World School authorization at two Anne Arundel County public school system schools, most recently, Monarch Academy Annapolis.

Tilly has a Master of Science Degree in Educational Psychology from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from James Madison University. She is an active member of several philanthropic organizations for causes close to her heart such as enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund and serving on the National Board of the Foundation for Community Betterment, which provides fundraising and support to Annapolis families confronted with sudden loss. She resides in Annapolis with her three sons and enjoys live music, skiing, and time on the water.

Lynne Forsman, Co-founder

Lynne Forsman’s background is in hospitality and tourism sales, and marketing. From Boston to San Francisco, Lynne has fine-tuned her knowledge with an iconic, established hotel company (Marriott), as well as with start-ups (Portman Hotel Group and By Design Meetings & Incentives). Once in Annapolis, she founded and operated Nautical Destinations, a small, women-owned group yacht charter and special event company for 13 years. With a keen interest in the Chesapeake Bay, Lynne initiated Green Drinks Annapolis and helped start and consult with the state’s Maryland Green Travel Program. Lynne has participated in many hospitality organizations including Meeting Planners International and the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association, as well as serving as Membership Director for the Green Meetings Industry Council. She served on the Board of Visit Annapolis for four years as its Marketing Committee Chair, then served as Membership Director for the Eastport Business Association, and is currently participating on the Four Rivers Heritage Coordinating Council.

Lynne is a constant volunteer with Downtown Annapolis Partnership and Maryland Avenue & State Circle Association. Lynne is recipient of the TWIN Award and Businesses for the Bay Environmental Excellence Award. She received her Bachelor of Science from Purdue University. Lynne lives “on the woods” in Davidsonville with her husband, Mark, and Golden Retriever, Adi. She is passionate about the Bay, the outdoors, sports—especially boating—and can be seen regularly jogging with a recycling bag.

Elvia Hernández Thompson, Interim Director
Co-founder & President Emerita

Elvia Thompson served as President of Annapolis Green through 2021 and serves as advisor to the organization as needed. She has over 25 years of government experience at the Departments of Commerce and Defense, the Defense Intelligence Agency and NASA, as an analyst specializing in translating technical information into language understandable by the general public. A public relations professional, graphic artist and web designer, she ran a successful web and print design business, and she is author of numerous public interest articles, blogs and op-ed pieces. She produced and hosted a weekly, hour-long radio program in Annapolis, Living Green, from 2012 to 2017 and is an experienced public speaker comfortable on stage and before a camera. She has experience as a grant writer and grant administrator. Elvia has served on the boards of several organizations including the Annapolis Maritime Museum, the League of Conservation Voters Anne Arundel Chapter, the Back Creek Conservancy and the Spa Creek Conservancy. She is currently Board secretary of the Electric Vehicle Association of Greater DC and serves on the State of Maryland’s Zero Emission Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council (ZEEVIC) and on the City of Annapolis’ Small Business Recovery Task Force. Elvia is a graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel and is a Master Watershed Steward. Her Master’s Degree is in Public Administration from Florida International University. Her undergraduate degree in Latin American Studies and Broadcast Journalism is from the University of Miami. Elvia is is recipient of the TWIN Award. She is a community activist who advocates for sustainable living with state and local governments, private organizations and the public. She is fluent in several languages and is an avid sailor.