PROVIDENCE – Save The Bay today named Jonathan Stone, a Providence resident who has taken part in three of the group’s annual Swims, to serve as its new executive director, effective Jan. 19.

He replaces Curt Spalding, Save The Bay’s leader since 1987, who completed his planned departure on June 30, and Michael Gerhardt, a longtime member of the environmental advocacy group who has been filling the post on an interim basis since the summer. (READ MORE)

The nonprofit’s national search “led to a candidate with a remarkable combination of skills and a clear vision to lead an effective 21st-century Save The Bay,” said search-committee chairman Steven Hamburg, a Save The Bay board member, a Brown University professor and chief scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund.

“Jonathan has the ability to forge productive, dynamic relationships and he understands the need to build a low-carbon economy that respects Rhode Island’s economic and ecological needs.”

Stone, 50, a Brown University graduate who earned his MBA at Harvard University, currently teaches in the finance department at Providence College.

“Throughout my business career,” he said, “I have found that innovative solutions result from a focused approach that includes thoughtful strategy, solid teamwork and a commitment to excellence. That’s also been a pattern at Save The Bay for some 40 years. I am excited about joining the staff, the board and our members in continuing that inspiring tradition.”

As an investment manager, Stone focused on solar cells, fuel cells, energy-saving integrated circuits and other alternative-energy technologies.

He is a co-founder of the Boston-based Lee Munder Capital Group, where he served as managing director from 2000 to 2008. Stone previously served as chief financial officer of Massachusetts communications company Transtrack Inc., and as national budget director for Michael Dukakis’ 1988 presidential campaign.

“His strategic planning, analytical research and fundraising skills are specialties that will promote Save The Bay’s growth,” Alden M. Anderson Jr., president of the nonprofit’s board, said in the midday announcement. “Jonathan’s knowledge of finance and development will help Save The Bay’s efforts to build on the tremendous momentum it has gained in recent years and ensure its strength and effectiveness.”

A resident of Rhode Island for the past 19 years, Stone was raised in Buzzard’s Bay.

“Merely by living in Rhode Island any length of time one gains respect for Save The Bay and its important work,” he said in a statement. “Through becoming a member and participating in the Swim, I have come to fully appreciate the scope of its influence on the Bay’s health and the role it plays in both protecting the environment and building the state’s economy.

“It is a privilege to lead an organization that – through the support of its members – has become so vital to all who love the Bay and its watershed.”

Save The Bay, founded in 1970, is a nonprofit education and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the Rhode Island economy, environment and quality of life by protecting, restoring and exploring the Narragansett Bay and its watershed. To learn more, visit www.SaveBay.org.