The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Caswell Cooke in our Community Proud Series, sponsored by CorePlus Credit Union. Caswell is the epitome of what it means to be Community Proud—his dedication, energy, and passion for his hometown radiate through everything he does.

A lifelong resident of the Westerly/Misquamicut area, Caswell has built his life around making his community a better place. When asked what makes this area home, he simply answered, "Family, friends, and the beach." That love for his community has led him to wear many hats—Executive Director of the Misquamicut Business Association, realtor, restaurant owner, author, filmmaker, talk show host, small business owner, DJ, band member, and former town councilor.

As the Executive Director of the Misquamicut Business Association (MBA), Caswell has transformed the organization into a powerful advocate for the beach community. The MBA is a non-profit group of like-minded business owners working tirelessly to improve the Misquamicut experience. The association is responsible for major events like Springfest, Fallfest, weekly classic car shows, and summer drive-in movies. Under Caswell’s leadership, the MBA now has over 165 members.

Caswell’s contributions to Misquamicut go far beyond events. His work includes maintaining and beautifying the area, advocating for local businesses, and addressing critical issues like beach erosion. Today, Caswell and a team of volunteers spend four to five days a week in the summer cleaning up the beach, planting flowers, and ensuring a welcoming environment for visitors. One of his proudest accomplishments is the Minabaug Trail, a bike and pedestrian path along Atlantic Avenue that enhances both safety and the visitor experience.

His passion for the beach community started early. At 18, he worked in Misquamicut for his friend Bob Barber, and by 21, he was DJing at the Andrea Hotel. As he got to know local business owners, he saw the untapped potential in the MBA and took it upon himself with the help of the Colucci family to revamp the association. This summer marks the 25th anniversary of the Misquamicut Business Association, a milestone reflecting years of dedication and progress.

Looking ahead, Caswell envisions even more for Misquamicut, including the return of beloved attractions and the expansion of eco-tourism. He hopes to see the development of a professional volleyball league and better use of the nearby pond for kayaking and recreation. His biggest current project is a beach renourishment plan to combat rising sea levels and storm damage.

Beyond his work with the MBA, Caswell owns Seafood Haven, a summer restaurant that has been a staple for over 25 years and is set to open in a new location this year. He is also deeply involved with Christ Episcopal Church, where he grew up singing in the choir and was in a leadership position for ten years including the last four years as Senior Warden. When he isn’t working or volunteering, he and his wife, Christine Cooke, love traveling to Key West.

Caswell finds inspiration in many places—his grandmother, his wife, and his children, for whom he hopes to leave a lasting legacy. He wants to create memories for others, whether through music, events, or the simple joys of a beach day. As a musician, his band, Caswell & The Peel N’ Eats, had a #1 hit on the Beach Radio Charts with their song Coconut Kevin. As an entertainer, he embraces Billy Joel’s words: “It’s a way to forget about life for a while.”

Caswell is not alone in his efforts to make Misquamicut thrive. He credits Charles Trefes, owner of the Windjammer and Chillingham’s, and President of the MBA, as an essential partner in the association’s success.

Through his leadership, enthusiasm, and advocacy, Caswell has cemented his legacy as a champion of the Misquamicut community. We are proud to celebrate his dedication to making his home a better place for all.