Fireside Chat with the Founders | Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. | JU Marine Science Research Institute Building (MSRI)

Join us for an enlightening conversation with two of our organization’s founders about the origins of St. Johns Riverkeeper. They’ll recount the challenges they faced getting the group off the ground, and the changes and accomplishments they have witnessed over the last 25 years.

This special program is being incorporated into our annual Holiday Mingle and will conclude our 25th anniversary celebration. Our annual awards: Volunteer of the Year, Advocate of the Year, Educator of the Year, and Business Partner of the Year, will be awarded during the program.

• 5:30-6 p.m.: Grab some light bites and socialize
• 6-6:15 p.m.: Annual award winners are announced
• 6:15-7:15 p.m.: Fireside Chat with the Founders

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Let us know you plan to join us here!

Meet the Founders

Dr. Quinton White, Jr. retired last year as the Executive Director of the Marine Science Research Institute (MSRI) at Jacksonville University and Professor of Biology and Marine Science. He is highly regarded as an educator, researcher, leader, and one of the foremost experts on the St. Johns, having studied the river for nearly 50 years. Dr. White was instrumental in forging the longstanding relationship with JU that has been so important to the success of our organization.

Ben Williams and his wife, Louann, previously owned and operated a retail and wholesale seafood business for several decades, before purchasing land in Putnam County to create Wetland Preserve, a sustainably managed tree farm. Ben is also an avid outdoorsman, receiving his “PhD in the St. Johns” from his countless hours spent fishing, hunting, and “wandering” the woods.