Galveston Park Board’s Beach Maintenance Advisory Committee (BMAC) Chair Jerry Mohn Wins National Unsung Hero Award
Mohn Honored at American Shore & Beach Preservation Association Conference This Month

GALVESTON ISLAND, Texas – The Galveston Park Board of Trustees’ Beach Maintenance Advisory Committee (BMAC) chair Jerry Mohn was honored with a national “unsung hero” award this month for his involvement in working to preserve the Texas and U.S. coastlines.

Mohn – a Galveston resident and active beach advocate – was presented the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) Unsung Hero Award Oct. 11 at the association’s 2012 National Coastal Conference in San Diego, California.

“This award is given to those who quietly make a difference,” said Brad Pickel, awards chairman for ASBPA.  “The Unsung Hero Award is intended to honor those ASBPA members who continue to work on behalf of the association, while striving to stay away from the limelight.”

Mohn is chair of the Galveston Park Board’s Beach Maintenance Advisory Committee, which reviews policies and makes recommendations to the board regarding the restoration of Galveston beaches. This standing committee is comprised of 11 members elected by the Park Board of Trustees.

Park Board Executive Director Kelly de Schaun was a featured presenter at the ASBPA conference – speaking about the economic benefits of Galveston’s 1994 beach nourishment project.  She was there to celebrate Mohn when he received his award.

“Mr. Mohn is worthy of this national recognition,” de Schaun said. “His efforts are tireless, giving untold hours to many coastal zone management organizations. The Park Board considers the recognition of Mr. Mohn by this national organization to be representative of the leadership the Park Board has recruited, and validates the quality of volunteer leadership that guides the organization.”

Mohn is also a member of the National ASBPA Board of Directors; president of the Texas Chapter of ASBPA; and was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the state’s Coastal Coordination Council. He also serves as president of the West Galveston Island Property Owners Association and is chairman of the Galveston County Beach Erosion Task Force.

The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association is a national professional association of coastal engineers, researchers, scientists and public servants working for the protection of the U.S. coastline.  Individuals who recognized the need for an organized effort to combat erosion, a serious problem in many coastal areas, founded the organization in 1926.  Visit www.asbpa.org for information.