Michael F. Stephen, Ph.D., P.G.
President and CEO
As President and a founding partner of Coastal Engineering Consultants, Inc., Dr. Stephen has been responsible as Principal and Senior Project Manager for the comprehensive planning, permitting, funding coordination, design and construction administration of major beach restoration, inlet navigation, environmental remediation, shoreline stabilization, erosion control and other marine related projects.
He has over 32 years of professional experience, including marine and oceanographic surveys, marina design and permitting, water quality, groundwater hydrology, environmental audits and site remediation of contaminated soils, and funding and agency coordination of State and Federal grant and reimbursement programs.
His other experience includes PUD rezoning and permitting on major residential and commercial projects, including Windstar on Naples Bay, Pine Air DRI, and Naples Gateway Commercial Center.
Prior Experience
While in graduate study at the University of Southern California, Dr. Stephen taught Oceanography. As a research scientist with the University of South Carolina (1973-1976) he was responsible for Statewide Coastal surveys to document erosion trends and influence of structures, jetties and groins; barrier island baseline surveys on the Florida Gulf Coast barrier island system; Geohazard mapping and Coastal dynamics in the Gulf of Alaska and Southeastern Iceland; and Geophysical surveys and reef mapping of Southwest Florida coast. Dr. Stephen's varied professional experience and specialized training has led him to contribute to Marco Island Beach Restoration, Collier County Beach Restoration, Naples Bay Mangrove Restoration, Stump Pass Inlet Navigation Channel, Captiva Island Submerged Breakwaters, and Wiggins Pass Yacht Club.
Educational/Professional Registration
* B.S. Geology, University of Dayton, 1970
* M.S. Marine/Engineering Geology, University of Southern California, 1973
* Ph.D. Coastal Geology, University of South Carolina, 1981
* Licensed Professional Geologist, State of Florida No. 321, 1988
Professional Affiliations/Memberships
* Geological Society of America
* Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association
* National Groundwater Association
Dr. Stephen is active in the community. Past service includes president of the Naples Area Chamber of Commerce, member of District 2C Florida Law Grievance Committee, president of Kiwanis Club of Naples, Economic Development Council, Natural Resources Committee and Government Affairs Committee, Blue Ribbon Beach Study Committee, Naples Institute, University of South Florida Advisory Council, Past Chairmen of Naples Chamber of Commerce, and Director of the Conservancy, Inc. He is currently serving on the Boards of Directors of Naples Chamber of Commerce and Maritime Venture I and is active in the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association and American Shore and Beach Preservation Association.