After an incredibly successful ten-year run as President of the Riverkeeper Board of Directors, Ed Burdett is passing the baton to Leslie Friedman Johnson. Since 2014, Ed’s leadership has helped increase revenues by almost 500% and allowed for staff growth from three to 15.
Ed’s leadership and dedication were instrumental in increasing Riverkeeper’s capacity to protect and restore the Russian River. He worked in a collaborative and gracious manner that inspired everyone in the organization to give their best for the river and our community. Ed will remain on the Riverkeeper Board rotating to Treasurer to continue to provide financial leadership and a smooth transition.
Incoming Board President Leslie Friedman Johnson is a government relations strategist who for more than 30 years has advanced an agenda focused on California water policy, urban sustainability, integrated water management, public finance, and climate change. Leslie’s expertise includes public policy development, strategic consulting, coalition building, state and federal legislative and administrative lobbying, state and local issue and funding campaigns, and strategic communications. She works with public agencies, local governments, and non-profit organizations to guide their programs and projects to be more effective, to advocate for and influence public policy and funding, and to achieve tangible environmental outcomes.
A big THANK YOU to Ed for his excellent leadership and to Leslie for taking the baton to lead Riverkeeper into our next chapter!