December 17, 2021
Jim Lyons Takes the Helm from Denise Swol
FEDERATION LAUNCHS NEW PLAN TO PRESERVE, PROTECT AND RESTORE
OUR RIVERS; JIM LYONS TAKES HELM AS INTERIM DIRECTOR
December 17, 2021
The Arundel Rivers Federation invites you to join us in making 2022 a dynamic
year for improving the South, West and Rhode Rivers. We are excited to
announce that Jim Lyons, currently a member of our Board, will be taking the
helm at Arundel Rivers and leading the implementation of our new strategic
plan. Jim will temporarily succeed Denise Swol, who is leaving the
organization to pursue other professional opportunities. A search for a new
executive director will begin early in 2022.
Lynn Johnson Langer, incoming chair of the Federation’s Board of Directors,
expressed enthusiasm for Jim and the new strategic plan. “We have a adopted
a great plan that will strengthen our work aimed at restoring, preserving and
protecting our rivers. And we are very fortunate to have Jim Lyons lead this
initiative,” she said.
The Federation’s strategic plan sets ambitious goals for expanding outreach
and partnerships within our many communities and for increasing the pace and
impact of our efforts to make the rivers we call home cleaner and healthier for
all who live, work and recreate here. Arundel Rivers uses a science-based
approach to environmental restoration, advocacy, and public policy to
safeguard the South, West and Rhode Rivers and associated tributaries of the
Chesapeake Bay.
Jim will bring demonstrated expertise and leadership experience to the
Federation as Interim Executive Director (ED). Jim’s long and distinguished
career in environmental and natural resources management includes serving
as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Lands and Minerals Management in the
Interior Department under President Obama and as the Under Secretary for
Natural Resources and Environment in the US Department of Agriculture under
President Clinton.
Jim was also ED of the Casey Trees Endowment Fund in
Washington DC , a non-profit organization committed to restoring the tree
canopy of D.C.’s neighborhoods and worked as Policy Director for the Society
of American Foresters. He has been recognized by Rutgers University and the
Yale School of the Environment as a distinguished alum.
Jim will be supported by the talented and dedicated Arundel Rivers Federation
staff who wear the “muddy boots” that help us fulfill our mission of cleaner local
rivers. “Denise led the Federation since late 2019, and successfully managed it
through the challenges of the COVID pandemic. She leaves the organization
well-positioned for continued growth and success,” Jim explained.
“I am proud of our work and what Arundel Rivers has accomplished over the
past several challenging years. The Federation has a talented and dedicated
staff and I am confident that they will continue to make a difference for our
rivers and the Bay,” Denise said.
“We appreciate Denise’s leadership and dedication in directing the Federation.
The Board wishes her all the best in her future endeavors,” Don Santa, Chair of
the Federation’s Board of Directors stated.
Please join our movement to secure clean, fishable, swimmable waterways for
current and future generations by supporting the Arundel Rivers Federation.
Visit www.arundelrivers.org to learn more about us and how you can volunteer
and contribute to achieving our goals. Please view our new strategic plan
here.
Sincerely,
