January 6, 2012 Press Conference – Lisa Rinaman, John Ragsdale, & Neil Armingeon

We are excited to announce that Lisa Rinaman has been selected to succeed Neil Armingeon as your next St. Johns Riverkeeper.  Lisa will assume the role as St. Johns Riverkeeper after Neil steps down at the end of January.

As a former senior staff member for Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton, Lisa Rinaman has extensive experience building consensus around issues and helped implement numerous environmental initiatives and policies. Lisa was instrumental in leading the effort to develop and implement irrigation, fertilizer and Florida Friendly landscaping ordinances to better protect the St. Johns and local waterways. She also played a key role in securing state funding for water quality improvements, organizing the city's successful Manatee Protection Plan, and pushing for programs necessary to fulfill the River Accord restoration plan for the Lower St. Johns River.

For the past two years, Lisa has also served as a valuable member of the St. Johns Riverkeeper Water Policy Group (WPG), a group that advocates for water conservation and reuse and policies that are more protective of our water resources. She has provided critical expertise, helping the WPG to formulate its priorities and develop and implement effective strategies.

We are fortunate that someone with Lisa’s relationships, talents, integrity and commitment will be representing our organization. She’s tough-minded yet tactful, passionate yet pragmatic, and has outstanding communication skills, experience, and a successful track record of getting things done.

Lisa will be a tremendous asset and highly-effective advocate for the St. Johns River. She has the skills and experience to successfully build on Neil’s outstanding work and to carry on the tradition of excellence that he has helped to establish.

So, please join us by enthusiastically welcoming Lisa aboard and lending your support as she leads us forward in our campaign for a clean and healthy St. Johns River.

Watch this video interview with Lisa to learn more about her passion for the river and plans for the future.