The Team
Your Conservation Leaders in St. James
St. James serves as a UNCW Research Sanctuary for our "Living Shoreline" initiative and has been designated an Audubon Bird Sanctuary by our Town Council. Establishing the St. James Conservancy was a natural step to further develop conservation and environmental programs while also educating and protecting our community regarding the 42.4% (2,455 of the 5,785 acres) of our area that is under Preservation/Conservation Stewardship. The Conservancy's goal is to preserve our natural setting.
Currently, our initiatives include recycling, turtle basking platforms, pollinator gardens, bat houses, installing an osprey nesting site, and continuing with National Wildlife Federation property certification. St. James has achieved the status of a "Community Wildlife Habitat," becoming the first coastal town in North Carolina to earn this recognition, thanks to the confirmation of over 180 properties (and growing). We plan to host future Environmental Fairs, continue with the expansion of our Living Shoreline initiative, as well as celebrations for Arbor Day and Earth Day. This website has had over 2,795 individuals visit this site in our first year from across the globe. We are happy that you are here too.
We extend our gratitude to our dedicated and engaged Executive Board, along with the unwavering support, guidance, and commitment of our members and volunteers.
Taylor Ryan
Founder & President
Taylor Ryan was born in Morganton, NC, then lived briefly in the Bronx, then Hollis, Long Island before his parents moved to Chatham, NJ where he was in 4th grade through High School. After 4-wonderful years at Wake Forest University (It was Wake Forest College at that time), he graduated with a BBA in Marketing & Management. He also met his ROTC commitment in the US Army Signal Corps through March 1965.
Next was IBM, as a Marketing Representative in NJ, with an add-on as Company Commander of a NJ Army National Guard Signal Company for 6 years to complete his reserve commitment while earning his MBA – International Business at Seton Hall University in June 1969.
In December 1991, Taylor left IBM as a Consulting Marketing Representative, on a lucrative package with health benefits until retirement in May 1995, thus for life! He worked in various software and consulting companies until moving to St. James in April 2001, when the enjoyment and “giving back” of retirement life left no time to work. “Most of us know it is not easy being retired; there are too many other opportunities to enjoy and return to our awesome community for our many blessings.”
During his 1999 visit to this area to look at retirement opportunities, Taylor bought a lot on Pinecrest, then heard about his current home on Mariners Way coming on the market, so he bought it and sold the lot.
Taylor started our community’s “Living Shoreline” initiative in 2005 with the full support of Mayor Shelley Lesher, RIP and Thank You. Today, the program enjoys full appreciation from each Mayor and Town Council with continued funding and strong partnership with UNCW Department of Biology and Marine Biology. Additional support continues from the Center for Marine Science, building our Living Shoreline of bagged oyster shells and Spartina Alterniflora marsh grasses. Taylor thanks St James’ Multigenerational Citizen Scientists volunteers for their commitment to support, as well as UNCW Professor Troy D. Alphin, Senior Research Associate!
Jo Ann Klug
Treasurer
Having been born in New York City, Jo Ann grew up and attended school there. Upon graduating from high school, she began her work career at Merrill, Lynch. Although she never attended college, she had "on the job" training as she switched employment from brokerage to accounting to creating a mutual fund department.
After the birth of her son, Jo Ann volunteered in various capacities pertaining to education for classes Kindergarten thru Eighth grades. In 1989, she switched her employment from education to safety equipment and sales and finished her career at a metal cutting tool distributor, starting in sales and finishing in collections and credit.
In 2012, Jo Ann moved from Queens New York to Southport NC. She feels fortunate to be able to volunteer with the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office, the St James Service Club, St James Conservancy, the Southport Sail and Power Squadron, and the Brunswick Newcomers Club.
“I feel extremely privileged and blessed to be part of our wonderful home here in St James and Brunswick County.”
