President of the Board of Directors

Elisa M. Santoro is President of the Board of Directors and has served on the Board of Directors since 2021.  

Elisa graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in English Literature and earned a Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law. She is admitted to practice law in New York and California. Elisa is an Attorney in Locust Valley, specializing in Estate Planning, Real Estate, and Land Use. She is an avid rower and tennis player and loves sailing with her husband and their two daughters.

Executive Director

George J. Ellis is the WaterFront Center’s Executive Director. He and his wife Susan have been residents of the Town of Oyster Bay for 22 years, raising two children. George is an avid sailor and competes on the waters of Oyster Bay and beyond. A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a degree in Economics, George has spent his career in capital markets working for investment banks.

Education Director

Cameron was born and raised in Huntington, Long Island. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marine Biology from the University of Maine and spent a “Semester at the Sea” at the Darling Marvel Center.

After college, he spent six years working as an outdoor educator/naturalist for Nassau County BOLES. In 2012, Cameron became a Bay Buccaneer instructor at the WFC; after that, he was asked to stay on as the Education Director. Additionally, Cameron is the WFC’s Site Coordinator for the Cornell Cooperative Horseshoe Crab Study and is the main caretaker of all marine animals living in the classroom touch tanks.

Cameron is a US Sailing REACH coordinator and Boy Scouts of America Merit badge Counselor and is First Aid/CPR Certified. He serves as a judge for the Long Island Environment and for the New York Science and Math Association high school poster competition.

Sailing Director

Cormac grew up sailing in Centerport, NY. He started sailing at the age of 8 in the Opti, transitioned into the C420 when he was 14, but found his love for the sport during a short campaign in the 470. Growing up, his High School sailing team practiced at The Waterfront Center, which led to him racing on the WFC Junior Big Boat Team. He has most recently been active in the laser class and the match racing circuit.

Cormac started coaching at The Waterfront Center in 2018 as an Opti intermediate coach. He became the Opti race coach in Fall 2018 and continued with the group until 2020. That year Cormac was promoted to Head Instructor where he gave support to all the different sailing programs throughout the Summer. Cormac has also been coaching the High School Sailing Program since 2020 and can’t wait for another great season.

Cormac has his First Aid/CPR, U.S. Sailing Level 1, SafeSport, HeadsUp, US Safe Powerboating, and NASBLA certifications.

Director of Marketing and Engagement

Jamé grew up in Hauppauge, NY, spending her summers on the South Shore waters aboard her parents' powerboat. Her lifelong connection to the water has shaped both her personal and professional life.

After earning a B.A. in TV Production from Hofstra University, Jamé moved to New York City, launching her career at CNN. However, her passion for community-driven work led her back to Long Island, where she now lives in Bayville with her husband and three children.

With over 18 years of experience in communications and development, Jamé has worked with community service organizations and nonprofit schools for children with developmental disabilities, helping to enhance outreach, fundraising, and strategic growth.

Jamé remains deeply involved in the Glen Cove community, serving as Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Treasurer of the Interagency Council. She is an advocate for local businesses and social services, using her leadership to foster collaboration and community impact.

A lifelong water enthusiast, she enjoys swimming, kayaking, and boating, staying connected to the maritime lifestyle that has always been a part of her life.

Programs Director

Katie grew up in Bayville on Long Island, where she spent most of her summers on the water with her family. Growing up, she went water skiing, swimming, and fishing in the Harbor. In High School, Katie was a lifeguard at Center Island Bay. Her past work in the hospital and doctor's office has taught her that she loves to work with the public and is passionate about community outreach.

Katie is the Program Coordinator at The WaterFront Center. She is excited to share her love of the water with others in her community and looks forward to more adventures with The Waterfront Center!

Donor Relations Coordinator

Alexis grew up on Long Island before moving to Nashville, TN, where she received her B.S. in Child Development and Public Health from Vanderbilt University and researched early learning and adolescent psychopathology. Translating studies to practice, she worked as a case manager for young adults transitioning out of the foster care system in Tennessee before returning to Long Island.

Upon her return, Alexis shifted her career focus to the social sector. Her father, Peter Pramberger, had volunteered on the CHRISTEEN for over 10 years and introduced her to the organization. Today, Alexis serves as the Donor Relations Coordinator at the WaterFront Center and seeks to expand fundraising efforts through individual engagement and corporate relationships.

When she is not in the office, you can find her traveling, crafting, spending time with family, or social dancing. This year, she plans to finally learn how to sail.

Director of Waterfront Operations

Jon is originally from Port Washington and was first introduced to sailing at Sea Cliff Yacht Club. He fell in love with the sport while sailing at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. After spending six years in Manhattan working in financial technology, he returned to Oyster Bay to follow his passion for sailing full-time.

Jon’s journey into the maritime field began with a seven-year project restoring a classic sailboat alongside his father. This experience reinforced his love for hands-on work and being on the water. Among his proudest accomplishments are restoring his 1969 Hinckley 38 sailboat and securing a 3rd-place finish in the 2024 Newport to Bermuda Race aboard Coucou, an Express 37.

Beyond sailing, Jon enjoys ice hockey, cooking, reading, and spending time with his dog, Daphne. He is deeply committed to expanding access to sailing and is dedicated to ensuring the next generation has the opportunity to experience and embrace the sport.