Staff

Tony Stephens

Executive Director

John O'Riordan

Director of Operations

John, or "John O," as his friends and colleagues call him, grew up sailing and boating on the northern lakes and gulf coast of Texas.  He sailed competitively in college at Fordham University, where he scraped by with a Math degree.  After graduation he worked in the sailing industry for several years before finding his way to the DSC as the Fleet and Membership Director in Feb 2016.  Now, as the Director of Operations, John continues to oversee maintenance of the fleet and facilities, as well as managing the behind the scenes action.  John has a 25 ton Master license with sailing and towing endorsements, several US Sailing certifications, and is the reigning DSC Chili Cookoff champion.  John can be reached at john@downtownsailing.org.

Rena Kazmierski

 Director of Community Engagement

Lorena "Rena" Kazmierski has been involved with the DSC since 2005 as a member, volunteer, and staff person in various capacities. She began her sailing journey as an adult at the DSC, then decided to dedicate her life to sailing, working as professional crew aboard both commercial and private sailing vessels, earning her 50-Ton USCG Master's License. Following this, she returned to school to earn an Occupational Therapy Assistant degree.  Stepping aboard as full-time staff in March of 2020, you'll find her managing multiple programs around the DSC. Rena can be reached on her cell at 443-528-4527 or via email at rena@downtownsailing.org. 

Josh Johns

Youth Programming Coordinator

Josh has been leading Youth Camp programming for five years, and sailing for over twenty-two. He actively races on many different keelboats, ranging from J22s to J120s, and many others in-between. When not on the water, Josh likes to spend time with his dog at the park, in the kitchen cooking new and challenging dishes, and gardening. If you have any questions regarding our many Youth Education programs, Josh can be reached by email at josh@downtownsailing.org, or by phone at 443-756-9422.

Laura Ladenheim

Adult Education Manager

Laura has been sailing at the Downtown Sailing Center since 2012. She first took the DSC's Intro to Sailing course and immediately fell in love with being on the water. She enjoys all aspects of sailing, including cruising, racing, ocean sailing, and teaching. Having learned as an adult, Laura remembers what it was like to be a beginner and wants to make sure all of our students have a positive and enjoyable learning experience! Laura has been coaching informally for years, became an Adult Education instructor at the DSC in 2021 and is now the Adult Education Manager.  In addition to sailing at the DSC, she has a Com-pac 27 sailboat and can often be found cruising the Chesapeake with her husband Kevin and dog Stella during the summer. When she's not sailing, Laura enjoys making stained glass, stand-up paddleboarding, and playing board games.