Staff changes said to strengthen organization’s commitment to protecting land and water for benefit of people and nature
Big Waters Land Trust recently has put the proverbial spotlight on two new staff members and the promotion of Tianna Boswell-Porter to director of marketing and events.
“These team updates strengthen the organization’s continued commitment to protecting land and water for the benefit of people and nature across our region,” a news release explains.
The two new staffers are Ray Vinson, who is the land stewardship manager, and Molly Rabin, the database and donor stewardship administrator, the release notes.
Ray Vinson joined Big Waters Land Trust in November 2025, the release says. A Tampa native, he “developed an early appreciation for Florida’s natural landscapes through time spent exploring Myakka River State Park, Cayo Costa, and Looe Key,” the release continues. Vinson earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and policy from the University of South Florida and began his conservation career with Florida State Parks AmeriCorps, during which time “he gained experience in invasive plant management and prescribed fire practices,” the release points out. He is a certified prescribed burner, the release says.
Further, Vinson “serves as co-chair of the Suncoast Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area, supporting regional education and collaboration focused on invasive species control,” the release notes.
Vinson was a park ranger for Honeymoon Island and Rainbow Springs State Parks before holding natural resource management roles with Sarasota County Government, Manatee County Government and the City of St. Petersburg, the release adds. In his role at Big Waters, he “oversees stewardship efforts that protect and enhance critical habitats throughout the region,” the release says.
Rabin, who joined Big Waters in December 2025, “supports the organization’s philanthropy and engagement efforts through database management and donor stewardship initiatives that strengthen relationships with supporters,” the release explains.
A native of the California coast, Rabin “developed a lifelong connection to nature and marine environments that ultimately brought her to Florida,” the release continues. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and marine science from Eckerd College and is a certified scuba instructor “with a passion for exploring and protecting marine ecosystems,” the release says.
Boswell-Porter was promoted in September 2025, the release notes. In her leadership role, the release continues, she oversees the organization’s marketing and communication initiatives, as well as “signature events that connect the community to Big Waters’ mission and conservation impact.
“A New York native who relocated to the Sarasota area in 2015,” the release says, Boswell-Porter holds a Bachelor of Science in advertising and marketing communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology, having graduated magna cum laude. Prior to joining Big Waters, it notes, she served as a procurement buyer with Manatee County Government.
Previously, the release continues, she “led major program initiatives at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, supporting experiential learning and emergency assistance programs for local students. In her role with Big Waters, the release says, Boswell-Porter helps expand awareness of, and support for, land and water conservation throughout Florida.