Potomac Riverkeeper

Potomac Riverkeeper, Inc. was established in 2000 by principals from local environmental organizations, including the Potomac Conservancy, Piedmont Environmental Council, Audubon Naturalist Society, and Sierra Club. Their goal was to create a strong advocate that would enforce existing federal and state laws to stop pollution and restore clean water in the Potomac River. Ed Merrified was hired to fill the Potomac Riverkeeper position in early 2003.

River Network has worked closely with Ed and the board of Potomac Riverkeeper from its inception. Ed was new to the nonprofit world, and we advised him regularly on fundraising, board development and organizational development. In addition, we acted at times as Chief Financial Officer and Development Director, drafting budgets and fundraising plans, writing proposals, and organizing fundraising events and membership campaigns.

Potomac Riverkeeper has grown by leaps and bounds. From an initial budget of $50,000 in 2003, the organizational revenues have increased 10-fold to $550,000 in 2009. The membership has grown from approximately 70 in 2003 to about 1,000 at the end of 2008.

Potomac Riverkeeper went through its first strategic planning process in 2006 and produced its first 3-Year Strategic Plan for 2007-2009. This year, it will undertake its second such process in order to complete a new plan for 2010.

The Board of Directors has evolved as well. From an initial group of leaders of other organizations, Potomac Riverkeeper has built a board with diverse skills in accounting, fundraising, nonprofit law, and with good connections to the corporate and foundation community.

Potomac Riverkeeper's staff has grown from a part-time Director in 2003, to a staff of five in 2008. The organization plans to hire a 6th employee in 2009. Currently, the Chief Operations Officer has taken over many of the functions which River Network formerly filled, but RN still advises the organization in many areas.