Our Team

Meet our team

Kate Ferris Richardson

Executive Director

Phone: (617)523.1038 ext. 12
Email: [email protected]

A lifelong sailor with early memories of sailing at CBI, Kate Ferris Richardson brings a deep appreciation for the water and a passion for inclusive, hands-on learning. She has raced, volunteered, and led at every level of the sailing world – from local youth dinghy programs to international offshore events -always with a focus on community and inclusion. Her career has spanned public education and nonprofit leadership, grounded in a belief that access creates opportunity—both on the water and beyond.

With skills in program development, operational strategy, and community engagement, Kate brings a well-rounded approach to her leadership at Community Boating. She’s excited to help guide the next chapter of “Sailing for All,” expanding opportunity while honoring CBI’s vibrant and historic community.

Samuel Peirson

Director of Operations

Phone: (617)523.1038 ext. 16 Email: [email protected]

Sam’s parents put him in a wooden pram at age four; he grabbed the tiller and never looked back. Sailing and boats have been a major part of his life ever since. Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Cape Cod, he’s been afforded plenty of opportunities to pursue his first love. He spent high school at Tabor Academy on Buzzards Bay racing FJs and 420s while also serving as a Watch Officer on the 92-foot schooner Tabor Boy II, assisting in its return from the Caribbean to the United States. Sam graduated from Eckerd College with a major in political science and a minor in law. He also continued his competitive sailing at the college level and since. Sam has spent seasons coaching, instructing, or managing instructors at several different cape-area summer programs, including Wianno and Beverly YC’s, as well as serving as a racing coach at Lauderdale Yacht Club in south Florida. Sam is a Level 3 certified instructor with the U.S. Sailing Association and possesses a U.S. Coast Guard license. He enjoys team racing, skiing, and big boat racing on Cape Cod.

Sidaulia Lyons

Director of Community Relations

Phone: (617)523.1038 ext. 15
Email: [email protected]

With 15 years at Community Boating and a decade as Director of Community Relations, Sidaulia Lyons is passionate about building meaningful connections between CBI and the greater Boston community. She manages member relations, sponsorships, marketing, event planning, and more, ensuring that CBI’s mission inspires sailors of all ages and abilities. Growing up in nearby Somerville, Sidaulia loved watching sailboats glide across the Charles River, sparking her admiration for CBI’s vision of “Sailing for All.”

Outside the office, Sidaulia enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new events around Boston, relaxing by the water—any water—and is a passionate supporter of all things Boston sports.

Ying Chen

Staff Accountant

Phone: (617)523.1038 ext. 15

Ying immigrated to the United States in 2007. She had worked in an accounting firm as a certified public accountant for 10 years when she was in China. In 2013, Ying joined Community Boating as the new accountant. She enjoys working with the dedicated CBI staff at the best location in all of Boston.