Cahaba River Society Executive Director Press Release September 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Download the Press Release Here
Contact: Dr. Kenya Goodson, Board President
Cahaba River Society
(205) 322-5326
[email protected]

Birmingham, AL. (September 4, 2024) — Cahaba River Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Cahaba River and its rich diversity of life, is pleased to announce the appointment of Deborah Barker as its Interim Executive Director, effective September 9, 2024. Deborah brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit management, leadership, and efficiency. In her new role, Deborah will oversee Cahaba River Society’s programs, operations, and strategic direction. She will work closely with the board of directors, staff, and volunteers to develop a strategic plan to build on the organization’s 36-year legacy of protecting the Cahaba River on behalf of the residents who depend on it.

“We are thrilled to welcome Deb to our team,” said Board President Dr. Kenya Goodson. “Deb’s strategic vision and leadership will be instrumental in guiding Cahaba River Society into its next chapter. We are confident that she will help us expand our impact and continue our mission to protect and restore the Cahaba River, which provides drinking water for over 1 million Alabamians.”

Deborah replaces Beth Stewart, who retired after 29 years with Cahaba River Society. Stewart oversaw numerous accomplishments during her tenure at Cahaba River Society, including stopping crisis-level raw sewage dumping throughout the Birmingham area through a Clean Water Act lawsuit in concert with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), creating a Supplemental Environmental Project that secured $30 million to acquire stream buffers in Jefferson County and established the regional Freshwater Land Trust, and partnering with local organizations to protect 7,000 acres of Birmingham Water Board land around central Alabama’s primary drinking water source from development.

“I am honored to join Cahaba River Society and lead this incredible organization,” said Deborah. “I look forward to working with the dedicated team, our partners, and the communities we serve to build on this organization’s legacy and to expand our impact on behalf of the Cahaba River and the people of central Alabama.”

About Cahaba River Society

The Cahaba River Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Cahaba River and its rich diversity of life. Through education, advocacy, and hands-on programs, the Cahaba River Society works to ensure that this essential waterway remains a viable resource for generations to come.

For additional information, visit cahabariversociety.org.

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