In 1997 the Town of Oak Island created the Beach Preservation Trust Fund Advisory Board. This Advisory Board helped build the trust fund over time through public contributions and coordinated the work of the Beach Preservation Society (BPS). In 2019, this Committee became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation established under the laws of the State of North Carolina.
Our Mission
The Oak Island Beach Preservation Society, Inc., is dedicated to education and community engagement to enhance the Oak Island beach experience and leave the beach better for everyone now and in the future.
Here are some ways we approach our mission:
Education
About characteristics and issues of the beach and ocean:
- Public seminar series in autumn and winter
- Educational display panels at The Point and Cabana
- Family programs from the NC Aquarium, brought to Oak Island
About how to protect our beaches and dunes:
- The Be a Beach Lover program, began in 2010 with new Town ordinances
- Beachfront and store signs to remind of personal role in beach protection
Community Engagement
- Coordinating beach cleanups and other service opportunities
- Monitoring 72 beach accesses through Adopt-A-Beach Access Program
Participating in OKI events for public information about the beach
Enhancing the Beach Experience
- Providing amenities for beach accesses: Bike racks, doggie-bag boxes, rinse stations, and more!
- Supporting the Beach Ambassador Program for clean and safe beaches
- Distributing seasonal newsletters to members, legislators and the public
- Maintaining liaison with other active beach preservation groups
Leadership Team
OKIBPS Board Of Directors
Cheryl Cook, Chair
Board Member since 2018
Term Expires: 9/2024
Andy Spradley, Co-Chair
Board Member since 2020
Term Expires: 9/2026
Bill Van Lew, Treasurer
Board Member since 2020
Term Expires: 9/2025
Rosina Whitfield, Secretary
Board Member since 2021
Term Expires: 11/2024
Lee Ann Lyon
Adopt-An-Access & Bike Racks
Board Member since 2022
Term Expires: 9/2025
Emily Dickinson
Memberships & Education Coordinator
Board Member since 2023
Term Expires: 9/2026
Carolyn Habib
Social Media & Scholarships
Board Member since 2024
Term Expires: 6/2027
Eileen Keates
Beach Cleanups & Newsletter Editor
Board Member since 2022
Term Expires: 9/2025
Mary McBride
Board Member since 2025
Term Expires: 3/2028
Crissy Martin
Board Member since 2025
Term Expires: 6/2028
Lathan Mills
Board Member since 2025
Term Expires: 7/2028
