We’re excited to officially welcome Jennie Smith as the new Executive Director of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition! Since starting on Monday, Jennie has already made a big impression with her passion for protecting our rivers and her warm, approachable leadership style.

As we’ve gotten to know Jennie, it’s clear she’s a perfect fit for WV Rivers. Here are a few fun things we’ve learned about her so far:

• What’s your favorite spot in West Virginia? As a fairly new resident of West Virginia (I moved here just over two years ago!), it’s tough to choose just one spot because this state is a treasure trove of natural beauty in every season. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of fall, the crispness of winter, the blooming life of spring, or the lush greenery of summer, there’s always something breathtaking around every corner.

  But if you twisted my arm, I’d have to say the Mon River Trail holds a special place in my heart. This trail has become my personal sanctuary — a place where I can walk, run, or cycle and simply feel connected to the surrounding beauty. I’ve come to love the quiet moments when I spot a deer grazing, catch sight of a cluster of ephemeral flowers fluttering in the breeze, or watch a snake leisurely crossing the trail. Spending time on the trail has helped me get to know not just the landscape but also the incredible wildlife that calls it home.

• What’s one environmental issue you’re most passionate about? One environmental issue I’m most passionate about is protecting sharks. My love for them began after an unforgettable encounter while diving in the Bahamas. Seeing them up close in their natural habitat was awe-inspiring and completely changed the way I viewed these often misunderstood creatures.

  My encounter with sharks ignited a lifelong commitment to raising awareness about their importance and advocating for stronger conservation efforts. In West Virginia, our headwaters are the source of major river systems that flow into the Chesapeake Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, nourishing countless ecosystems along the way. By protecting our headwaters, we ensure clean, cool, fresh water for communities, wildlife, and downstream environments. We are all one watershed!

• If you could have lunch with any environmental leader, past or present, who would it be? If I could have lunch with any environmental leader, it would definitely be a long, thoughtful conversation with Dr. Robert Bullard, often referred to as the ‘father of environmental justice.’ His groundbreaking work, particularly his first book Dumping in Dixie, deeply resonated with me because it links environmentalism with social justice in such a powerful way.

  In Dumping in Dixie, Bullard illuminates how environmental hazards disproportionately affect marginalized communities, especially in the South, and how this is rooted in systemic inequality. His ability to connect these issues opened my eyes to the broader, intertwined relationship between race, class, and environmental health, which is more relevant than ever today.

We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Jennie on board, and we’re looking forward to the incredible work we’ll do together to protect West Virginia’s rivers and streams. Feel free to give Jennie a warm welcome at [email protected]!