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December 2008

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December 12, 2008

Milwaukee Riverkeeper participates in coalition calling for federal stimulus dollars to invest in Wisconsin's green economy

Milwaukee Riverkeeper joined a coalition of community-based organizations rallying support for creating green job opportunities in Wisconsin. Highlighting the green jobs component of Governor Doyle’s proposal, the groups praised the Governor’s efforts to invest in public transit, renewable energy, contaminated site clean-ups, and repair of the State’s corroding water infrastructure.


“In this time of economic hardship, a coalition of groups has come together to support the creation of family-supporting jobs in the green collar economy,” according to Melissa Scanlan, Founder and Senior Counsel, Midwest Environmental Advocates. “These will be jobs capable of providing a life-line to Wisconsin families in need and, at the same time, making Wisconsin a leader in building the green economy.”

The coalition singled out for support the projects that would actually increase the number of green jobs in Wisconsin. They include:

• Building our energy independence through renewable energy
• Retrofitting existing homes, businesses, and government buildings to make them energy efficient
• Building public transit infrastructure to efficiently connect people to jobs
• Cleaning up contaminated land and water
• Fixing leaking sewage pipes and installing best practices to reduce stormwater run-off

“These investments would create jobs that range from construction and landscaping to research and engineering. The jobs would lead to a healthier, cleaner and more sustainable Wisconsin environment,” added Dale Olen of the Sierra Club.

As a water-rich state, Wisconsin can support many green jobs that protect and improve this critical resource. “Efforts to clean up our State’s waterways will require innovative, sustainable approaches,” commented Kevin Shafer, Executive Director of Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. “Integrating these approaches with job creation will benefit both the environment and the economy.”

Cheryl Nenn, Milwaukee Riverkeeper explained: “We need to make significant investments in repairing our failing wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. With new green jobs we can clean our rivers and Great Lakes, protect the drinking water supply, restore wildlife habitat, and improve our quality of life”

The coalition has been gathering projects in the private and public sector where federal funding could be a catalyst for green job creation. “We are looking for a commitment from the Governor and anyone that receives federal stimulus funds to prioritize projects that generate green family-supporting jobs, especially for those most in need of employment,” said Pam Fendt, Executive Director of Good Jobs, Livable Neighborhoods.
 

December 1, 2008

BROADDUS TO TAKE ON NEW ROLE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Lynn E. Broaddus, Executive Director for Milwaukee Riverkeeper, steps down to accept new position

Dr. Lynn E. Broaddus, executive director of Milwaukee Riverkeeper since May 2003, will be leaving the organization to accept a leadership position at The Johnson Foundation in Racine, WI. Broaddus has been involved with Milwaukee Riverkeeper for seven years, five and one-half of which have been as executive director. In her new role, she will help The Johnson Foundation shape its environment and community programming, with an initial emphasis on freshwater issues. The Johnson Foundation operates Wingspread, where conferences are convened to advance solutions to national and regional environmental issues, as well as other concerns focused on the Racine community.

“It’s not easy to leave an organization and a cause that I have come to care about so deeply. But I know that I leave Milwaukee Riverkeeper in the best of hands – we have a phenomenal Board and staff who will ensure a smooth transition into the new phase of the organization’s life.” When asked why she’s leaving, Broaddus stated “I am passionate about Milwaukee Riverkeeper, and had no intention of leaving. However, the opportunity to bring about change at a broader level through work at The Johnson Foundation was the bait that caught my eye. It builds on everything I’ve learned and the connections I’ve built while working on river issues, but also ties back to my earlier work with biodiversity and energy issues.”

“Lynn is a great addition to The Johnson Foundation,” said Roger Dower, executive director of The Johnson Foundation. “Her strong education background in environmental sciences and energy conservation combined with her extensive expertise gained while working at Milwaukee Riverkeeper will support the Foundation’s efforts to convene diverse individuals and organizations to discuss and implement solutions to issues facing our environment and community.”

Broaddus earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Virginia, a Ph.D. in botany and genetics from Duke University and a master’s of business administration from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. She also serves as Board president of the Milwaukee Environmental Consortium, and Board treasurer for the River Alliance of Wisconsin.

Cheryl Nenn, who has served in the staff position of Milwaukee Riverkeeper for six years, has been named Interim Executive Director while a search for a permanent replacement is conducted. Ms. Nenn has extensive experience in natural resource management in both the United States and Latin America, and holds a Masters of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and Management from the University of Michigan. This change takes effect Friday, December 5th.

“We are really going to miss Lynn,” stated Tony Handzlik, Board Chair, “but she has built such a strong program over her tenure that we are not worried about the future of the organization.” Handzlik went on to say that the Board is working through the process of evaluating the organization’s needs, and expects to begin the search for a new director shortly after Thanksgiving.

 

Dec. 1, 2008

Milwaukee Riverkeeper posts office manager position

Milwaukee Riverkeeper has posted a part-time office manager position.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Position description [PDF]

 

 

November 08 >>

  News index
2008: Dec  Nov  Oct  Sep  Aug  Jul  Jun  May  Apr  Mar  Feb  Jan
2007: Dec  Nov  Oct  Sep  Aug  Jul  Jun  May  Apr  Mar  Feb  Jan
2006: Dec  Nov  Oct  Sep  Aug  Jul  Jun  May  Apr  Mar  Feb  Jan
2005:

Dec   Nov   Oct   Sept   Aug/July   June/May  Apr/Mar  Feb/Jan

  2004     2003     2002

 

 

Milwaukee Riverkeeper

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