ABOUT US

Cohasset Maritime Institute was founded in 1994, with a mission to provide students and area residents with a unique resource to marry sportsmanship with the South Shore's coastal heritage, through coastal rowing. Today RowCMI delivers on this vision as an inclusive community resource unlike any other. A busy and well-respected rowing organization, our mission is to help people of all ages and abilities become stronger individuals. We aspire to support mental and physical health, and to connect area individuals with the natural world and each other.

We believe that bringing people together in human-powered coastal boats builds stronger individuals, a stronger community, and a healthier environment. With a thriving membership, stable financial foundation, and strong leadership, RowCMI today is positioned to expand programming to meet a surge in interest from the general community, as well as from underserved communities, youth rowers, rowers with physical and cognitive differences, aging rowers, cancer survivors, and more.

RowCMI is a non-profit, reliant on the generosity of our members, sponsors, and community for support.

Leadership

Frank Townsend

Program Director

Frank is a career educator, who comes to us from Tabor Academy where he taught Latin and was part of the rowing program. He holds an M.Ed. in School Leadership from Harvard University.

He is responsible for organizing youth and adult rowing programs, developing membership, fundraising, and improving our facilities.

Laura Kennedy

Administrative Director

Laura joined CMI in 2016 upon returning from living abroad with her family. A friend invited her to join her crew "Death Row"- she hasn't looked back (partly b/c there's so always something to plan!). Taking over as Director in 2019 and then splitting the role with Frank, she helps keep things organized behind the scenes.

Eric Penanhoat

Board President

Eric joined CMI in 2011 and quickly found a passion for rowing. This led to a many hours on the water, hours around the boathouse, a couple boat purchases, and ultimately finding himself as President of the Board since 2017.

Staff

Our adult and youth coaches, assistant coaches, coxswains and shore managers.

Website updates will include a space for a more detailed Coaches Corner & Staff info!

Interested in working with CMI this summer? We are looking for responsible young adults to join our crew as Shore Managers and Coxswains. Rowing experienced preferred and knowledge of Cohasset Harbor a plus! What better place to spend your summer than at Cohasset Harbor and the surrounding waterways.

If interested, reach out to Frank Townsend at [email protected].

Board of Directors

Website updates will include a space for bios and pictures!

Board of Directors

Around the boardroom or at the boathouse, our Board is invested in CMI's financial stability and quality program growth with a commitment to community connection and outreach.

Eric Penanhoat, President (2027)

Kathy Desjourdy, Vice President (2027)

Kurt Livermore, Treasurer (2027)

George Baumgarten (2027)

Jack Buckley (Emeritus)

Lisa Hewitt Dick (2026)

John Liffmann (2026)

David Martin (2026)

Bruce McMeekin (2026)

Board Members are elected at the annual meeting for terms of two years.