The Board of Directors of the Potomac Riverkeeper, Inc. is delighted to announce that Matthew Logan, former President of both the C &O Canal Trust and Potomac Conservancy, has been hired to replace Ed Merrifield as President and Potomac Riverkeeper. Ed Merrifield, who has provided stellar leadership to Potomac Riverkeeper for the past decade, is retiring at the end of the year. Ed’s vision has established Potomac Riverkeeper as an innovative and effective champion in protecting water quality in the Potomac River and its tributaries. The Board is pleased that Matthew will be stepping in to continue and expand Potomac Riverkeeper’s vital mission.

In the last ten years under Ed Merrifield’s leadership, Potomac Riverkeeper has fought to correct pollution from individuals, companies and municipalities in the Potomac watershed, including sewage treatment plants, industrial facilities, farm operations and urban and suburban stormwater. The organization has expanded from one to nine employees and now receives over $1.75 million worth of contributed legal and expert services.

Matthew Logan brings to this position a wealth of experience in river protection and public engagement, as well as success in running nonprofit organizations.  As President of Potomac Conservancy from 1998 to 2006, Matthew secured permanent protection for over 50 properties in the Potomac watershed totaling nearly 10,000 acres and created numerous educational programs. In addition, Matthew secured the protection of six major Potomac River Islands.

In 2007, Matthew left Potomac Conservancy to found a new organization, the C & O Canal Trust, located in Hagerstown, MD. As President of the Trust, he designed and launched Canal Quarters, an innovative, award-winning interpretive program that allows Park visitors to stay overnight in restored lockhouses. He developed volunteer engagement opportunities and served as an active spokesperson promoting the Park and its programs.  Matthew led advocacy efforts on behalf of the Park for repairs to the Canal, extension of the Western Maryland Rail-Trail, and development of the Williamsport visitor complex. Matthew was on the founding Board of Directors for Potomac Riverkeeper from 2002 to 2005.

Matthew will assume the position of President/Potomac Riverkeeper on January 1, 2013. Matthew can be reached at matt@potomacriverkeeper.org.