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Board of Trustees at Connecticut River Conservancy Board of Trustees We are continually rewarded by the generous gifts of time and skill from members of the CRC Board of Trustees. All are seasoned experts in fields ranging from the environment and education, to legal, corporate business, and finance. The dedicated folks on our Board offer us the know-how and long-range thinking that helps keep CRC moving in the right direction. We cannot thank them enough. Board Members are listed in alphabetical order by first name. Bob Dryfoos Trustee Retired computer software architect & experienced in board leadership. Read More Christine Palm Trustee State Rep. in CT and legislative champion for the environment & working families. Read More Janki Darity Trustee 15+ years of experience in regulatory compliance and ethical responsibility. Read More Michael Simpson Trustee Environmental Scientist & Professor Emeritus at Antioch University New England. Read More Tim Lewis Trustee, Secretary Avid paddler and conservationist retired after a career in manufacturing. Read More Bob Sproull Trustee Computer scientist, rower, and experienced conservationist and board manager. Read More David Deen Trustee Former CRC River Steward + 30 years as a VT legislator advocating for river protections. Read More Leslie Harris Trustee, Board Chair Nonprofit administrator for 25+ years, orchard manager, and outdoor enthusiast. Read More Paul Detwiler Trustee Experienced in law, energy policy/research, and environmental remediation. Read More Tony Judge Trustee Former broadcasting executive and radio, television, & film producer, and wildlife nonprofit board vice-chair. Read More Candace Damon Trustee Creates sustainable urban redevelopment strategies in cities across North America. Read More Geoffrey Habron Trustee Former professor of Fisheries/Wildlife; current focus on equitable climate resilience. Read More Lucas McDiarmid Trustee Legislative staffer and firefighter dedicated to agriculture, public safety, and clean water. Read More Stephen Gephard Trustee, Vice Chair Fisheries biologist and consultant, formerly with CTDEEP for 42 years. Read More Honorary Trustees Raul de Brigard Land Use Consultant Higganum, CT Ed Gray Author Lyme, NH Susan Merrow Environmental Lobbyist East Haddam, CT Jim Okun Principal, O'Reilly, Talbot, and Okun Ellington, CT Ronald Poltak Retired, Executive Director, NEIWPCC Auburn, NH John Sinton Retired, Professor of Geography, Land-Use and Environmental Planning, Human Ecology Florence, MA Annette Spaulding Retired, Spaulding & Harris Tax Service Bellows Falls, VT Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

Staff at Connecticut River Conservancy CRC Staff We are very fortunate to have a talented staff stewarding CRC's work. Meet the people behind the mission. Executive Director Rebecca Todd She/Her, rtodd at ctriver.org, (413) 834-9457 For over 30 years Rebecca has advised organizations, individuals, and businesses in matters related to environmental, educational, contractual, employment, and non-profit management. Prior to joining Connecticut River Conservancy in October 2023, Rebecca served as General Counsel for Antioch University, as Associate Attorney General in the Office of the Attorney General in Washington in the Education and Ecology divisions, and litigated cases for the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund, Inc. (now Earthjustice) and the Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. related to the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and hazardous waste laws. Rebecca also teaches environmental law, legal advocacy, and other subjects nationally and internationally. In addition to these professional accomplishments, Rebecca grew up in the Connecticut River watershed, has raised a family while stewarding farmland along the river in New Hampshire, and is cultivating a new passion for the sport of rowing. Staff Members Alphabetical by first name Alix Kaplan Content Coordinator akaplan at ctriver.org 413-834-7953 They/Them Read More Amber Lively River Steward in Connecticut alively at ctriver.org 860-681-3194 She/Her Read More Bay Holmes AmeriCorps Member bholmes at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 She/They Read More Chris Riffenburg Director of Finance criffenburg at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 202 He/Him Read More Fritz Gerhardt Conservation Scientist fgerhardt at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 219 He/Him Read More Kelly Beerman AIS Program Manager kbeerman at ctriver.org 802-318-1390 She/Her Read More Mallory Strider Assistant Director of Finance mstrider at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 201 She/Her Read More Melissa Langley Water Quality Program Manager mlangley at ctriver.org 413-450-8739 She/Her Read More Rebecca Budd Restoration Program Manager rbudd at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 222 She/Her Read More Stacey Lennard Events Manager & Source to Sea Cleanup Coordinator slennard at ctriver.org 413-325-5995 She/Her Read More Amanda Major Outreach & Events Coordinator amajor at ctriver.org 413-253-6855 She/They Read More Angela Chaffee Grant Strategist & Writer achaffee at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 204 She/Her Read More Caitlin Maguire NH Restoration Project Manager cmaguire at ctriver.org 603-703-5192 She/Her Read More Diana Chaplin Director of Communications dchaplin at ctriver.org 413-834-0079 She/Her Read More Kate Buckman Aquatic Ecologist kbuckman at ctriver.org 603-931-2448 She/Her Read More Laura Herbert Staff Accountant lherbert at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 She/Her Read More Marilla Harris-Vincent River Steward in New Hampshire mharrisvincent at ctriver.org 603-503-0419 She/Her Read More Nicole Reigle Assistant Director of Development nreigle at ctriver.org 413-325-3737 She/Her Read More Ron Rhodes Director of Programs rrhodes at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 214 He/Him Read More Stefanie Farrington Aquatic Ecology Program Associate sfarrington at ctriver.org 603-703-5657 She/Her Read More Amara Cunningham Executive Assistant acunningham at ctriver.org 413-450-8785 She/Her Read More Ansel Appleton Staff Accountant aappleton at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 201 He/Him Read More Charles Soucy Stormwater Project Manager csoucy at ctriver.org 802-490-9701 He/Him Read More Donna "Lucky" Riggs Finance Assistant driggs at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 She/Her Read More Kathy Urffer Director of Policy and Advocacy kurffer at ctriver.org 802-258-0413 She/Her Read More Lauren Zielinski Stream Restoration Specialist lzielinski at ctriver.org 603 325-7022 She/Her Read More Mary McCaughey Development Coordinator mmccaughey at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 She/Her Read More Nina Gordon-Kirsch River Steward in Massachusetts ngordonkirsch at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 216 She/Her Read More Sam Stegeman Operations Manager sstegeman at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 200 He/Him Read More Susan Heitker Chief Development Officer sheitker at ctriver.org 413-490-9197 She/Her Read More Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. We protect, restore, and advocate for the Connecticut River Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate Connecticut River Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the Connecticut River watershed in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. We collaborate with regional partners to restore and advocate for your rivers, and educate and engage communities. We bring people together to prevent pollution, improve habitat, and promote enjoyment of the river and its tributary streams. Join us to support healthier rivers today! Clean Water Through advocacy to prevent pollution and water quality monitoring to track data. Healthy Habitats Through dam removal, tree planting, and migratory fish programs. Resilient Communities With river recreation, community science, & Source to Sea Cleanups. Our Mission & Programs Sign Up for River News! Sign up to get emails about river news and events. Choose Your Newsletter Read Our Latest Annual Report Get the Full Report 1,182 Tons of trash removed from rivers 32 Old dams & culverts removed 104,908 Trees planted in the watershed 150+ Sites annually tested for bacteria Why Definitions Matter: The Hidden Systems That Shape Our Rivers and Protect Our Wetlands An in-depth analysis of different types of wetlands in the Connecticut River watershed, and how federal, state, and local protections intersect in the primary watershed states of NH, VT, MA, and CT. From Runoff to Resilience: Rethinking Stormwater with Green Infrastructure Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) refers to systems and practices that mimic natural processes to manage stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and enhance community resilience. These projects encompass a variety of techniques such as rain gardens, vegetated swales, green roofs, and permeable pavers designed to manage stormwater in a sustainable manner. What do Fish Have to Do with Farms? More than You Might Think! Aquatic Ecologist Dr. Kate Buckman shares how migratory fish, farms, and ecosystems are interconnected in the New Hampshire portion of the Connecticut River watershed. River Stories from Around the Watershed Latest News More River News We envision a future where people and wildlife can enjoy a clean, free-flowing Connecticut River. Upcoming Events Sat, May 23 World Fish Migration Day - Hinsdale, NH / Millstream Riverfront Park Learn more May 23, 2026, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Millstream Riverfront Park, 19 Main St, Hinsdale, NH 03451, USA Wed, May 27 Boaters on the Front Lines: Protecting NH Waters from Aquatic Invasive Plants / Zoom webinar Learn More May 27, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:10 PM Zoom webinar Multiple Dates Sat, May 30 Tree Planting at Millers Meadows in Greenfield, MA / Millers Meadow Learn More May 30, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM Millers Meadow, Kimball Dr, Greenfield, MA 01301, USA Sun, May 31 Mill River Water Walk / Smith College Boat House Learn More May 31, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Smith College Boat House, 21 College Ln, Northampton, MA 01063, USA Sun, Jun 07 Angling and Donuts / Whetstone Brook in Brattleboro Learn More Jun 07, 2026, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM Whetstone Brook in Brattleboro, 250 Birge St, Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA Load More Learn About: Migratory Fish Migratory fish are essential to healthy river ecosystems. The Connecticut River hosts 8 species of migratory fish that travel thousands of ocean miles and over 200 miles upriver annually. CRC's migratory fish restoration efforts include advocating for and expanding fish passage and raising awareness through community science and education. Learn More

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Recreation At the Connecticut River Conservancy, we believe that protecting the river and enjoying it go hand in hand. That’s why CRC organizes a beginner and intermediate paddling series during the summer months, collaborates with partners for many other types of on-water/near-water activities, and advocates for river access improvements. We are dedicated to promoting recreation opportunities in the Connecticut River watershed. Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail CRC is a member of the collaborative that runs and maintains the Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail (CRPT). With over 100 access points and 50 campsites, the CRPT provides a unique experience for boaters to travel along the river from source to sea. Source to Sea Paddler Recognition We love to support and celebrate the adventurous folks who paddle the entire length of the 410-mile Connecticut River. You can see the names of those who have accomplished this feat or submit your story below, or read about Jesse's solo kayak experience. Maps & Guides of the Connecticut River From navigation maps to help you traverse the river, to informational guides related to river safety, flows, campsites, and places to visit by boat, we have a range of resources to support recreation access for all. Explore the Paddlers’ Trail Read the Paddler Story See Maps & Guides River Recreation Events Summer 2026 paddling events are in the works and will be listed soon! Coming up are beginner and intermediate learn-to-kayak events, the Peskeompskut Paddle in connection with the Pocumtuck Homelands Festival, and other activities that may be near the river but not on the water. All events will be listed here as they open for registration. Be sure to subscribe to CRC's newsletters to hear about them as they open since some events may have limited capacity. Connecticut River Paddler's Trail Interactive Map Download our app to access the 410-mile long Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail! Mostly meandering, but at times rushing forcefully, the Connecticut River flows past a diverse landscape of rich agricultural lands, rural communities, urban centers, and tidal marshes. Get the Map Source to Sea Journeys Each year, a handful of paddling enthusiasts complete the 410-mile journey of traversing the entire Connecticut River, from Source to Sea. CRC celebrates these kayakers, canoeists and swimmers (just one so far) by highlighting their section paddles or through journeys! If you have completed a journey of the Connecticut River and would like to share your story, contact us at the email below. The river provided me opportunities to practice letting go of misconceptions of myself, others and of the river, and being in the present moment more fully. I am extremely grateful to everyone who has been involved with Connecticut River Conservancy since its inception. Their persistent efforts and commitment through the years made this swim possible! Kari Kastango First person to swim the entire length of the Connecticut River, 2018 - 2023 Paddler Recognition Please review the list below to see who has made the incredible journey of traveling the 410-mile Connecticut River. Those who completed the Trail in one season are listed as “Through-Journey” paddlers. Those who completed the Trail in two or more seasons are called “Section-Journey” paddlers. Have you completed a Source to Sea paddle and want to see YOUR name added below? Send your story to dchaplin@ctriver.org or submit here. Through-Journeys Ben Jankowski & Phoebe Gelbard (2026) Brendan Walsh (2025) Andrew G. Edwards (2025) Frederick A. Peterson (2025) Joe Roman (2025) Jesse Strauch (2024) Wanda Kirker and Rick Bain (2022) Mary Anderson (2022) Gary Vollinger (2022) Sarah and Scott Lancaster (2022) Emily Nuckols (2021) Ben Lynch (2021) Mack Truax (2021) Trey McPherson (2020) Daniel Stevens (2020) Cathleen (Mumford) Brennan (2019) Andy Myers (2019) Timothy Bertch and Mark Alexander (2018) Ted & Ben Murray (2012) Ed Terlik, Lenny Desrochers & Kenny Bihler (2005) Nancy and Tom Condon (2002) Ted Jones (1982) Tim Brocket (1979) Dr. Joseph and Madeleine Davidson (1959) Section-Journeys Michael Fairchild (2018-2024) Lorraine Brisson (2018-2024) Nick Boatman (2023) John Rudmann (2023) Cheryl Fitch (2018-2022) Bridget Macdonald and Justin Fermann (2015-2022) Tim Walsh (2021-2022) Lucy Eyre (2018-2022) Susan and Peter Craig (2020-2021) Tim Lewis (2017-2020) Harvey Hill (2017-2019) Andrew and Karen Fisk’s JUMP IN JOURNEY (2017) Brian and Matthew Fogg (2011, 2015) Jeff Feldmann, Scott Larkham, Scott Stenberg, Ron Merriam and a dog name Abe (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) Parker Lord and Jim Poole (2007, 2008) John Sinton, Elizabeth Farnsworth, Wendy Sinton (2005, 2006)

< Back Leslie Harris Trustee, Board Chair Leslie manages the agriculture on 200-acre Quonquont Farm in Whately, MA. Before coming to the farm, she served as a non-profit administrator for more than 25 years, leading the Dakin Humane Society’s transformation from a small, all-volunteer organization to a nationally-recognized resource for companion animals and the people who care about them. She now uses her considerable experience with non-profit finance and resource development to further achieve the missions of organizations doing meaningful work in her community. Leslie also serves as chair of the Trustees of the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation, helping to fund meaningful projects in animal welfare, land conservation, and veterinary research. And she serves on the board of Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture. Leslie and her wife are the kind of people whose idea of a terrific vacation is to see how many dogs they can get into their canoe before they disappear into a cloud of bugs down some remote waterway. CRC@ctriver.org

< Back Tim Lewis Trustee, Secretary Tim retired from a long career in manufacturing, working at three different companies, each one smaller than the one before. The last was a family-owned business with 10 employees that made OEM Babbitt Bearings. It was a relationship made in heaven, and he managed it for 24 years. He served as Chairman of the Board of Education in Rocky Hill, CT, where he grew up and still lives. An avid paddler, and a former whitewater canoe racer, Tim enjoys multi-day canoe camping trips, preferably off the grid, and has paddled the Connecticut River source to sea. He is President of Great Meadows Conservation Trust, protecting and preserving vital flood plain wetlands and farmland along the Connecticut River in Wethersfield, Rocky Hill, and Glastonbury. Tim also works to protect and promote the river he knows and loves so well. CRC@ctriver.org

mharrisvincent at ctriver.org 603-503-0419 She/Her < Back Marilla Harris-Vincent River Steward in New Hampshire Marilla joined CRC as the NH River Steward in January 2025. Prior to joining CRC, she worked as a research assistant helping develop an environmental health literacy and water education program on the Crow Reservation in Montana. Marilla holds a M.S. in Water Resource Policy and Management from East Central University. During this program she traveled to Lake Victoria in Kenya to participate in an intensive Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) program, deepening her knowledge in water and wastewater infrastructure systems, indigenous water technology, sustainable water practices, and international water law. She also received a B.A in Psychology and Environmental Science & Policy from Smith College. When not working, you can find Marilla outside hiking, skiing, gardening, and experimenting with fermentation. She lives in New Hampshire's Upper Valley with her husband, Jack, and their two dogs, Apple and Smokey mharrisvincent at ctriver.org 603-503-0419 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

sfarrington at ctriver.org 603-703-5657 She/Her < Back Stefanie Farrington Aquatic Ecology Program Associate Stefanie is passionate about aquatic conservation and endangered species protection, with an emphasis on freshwater mussels. A major focus of her career has been creating tangible outcomes to guide restoration and management decision-making, while also providing transparency to the public and improving efficiency without sacrificing data quality. She received her M.S. and B.A. from Clark University, where she studied the population genetics of freshwater pearl mussels in central and western Massachusetts. Stefanie has held several roles with non-profit, municipal, state, and federal agencies focused on the conservation of rare wildlife and wetlands protection in Massachusetts and the northeast United States. She received her PhD from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2026, where she was part of the Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and a Pathways Trainee with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. At UMass, Stefanie worked on several applied research projects developed in partnership with key stakeholders including conservation organizations, government agencies, natural resource professionals, and policymakers. These projects included benthic mesohabitat mapping and characterization for species distribution modelling in large rivers, field- and laboratory-based ecological mussel-host fish assessments, and a range-wide synthesis of conservation and management needs for the yellow lampmussel. When not in the lab or the river, Stefanie enjoys playing board games, doing all kinds of crafts, and spending time outdoors. sfarrington at ctriver.org 603-703-5657 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

< Back Lucas McDiarmid Trustee Lucas G. F. McDiarmid is a dynamic policy leader and public servant based in Western Massachusetts, currently serving as Legislative Director to the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. In this senior role, he oversees a diverse legislative portfolio that includes agriculture, fire and public safety, and clean water, managing policy strategy and advancing the Speaker Pro Tem’s legislative priorities. He also spearheads efforts in the House as lead staff-member for the 21st Century Agriculture Commission, chaired by the Speaker Pro Tem, working to shape forward-looking agricultural policy in the Commonwealth. Prior to his current appointment, McDiarmid made significant contributions in the Massachusetts Senate as District Director for former Senator Anne Gobi. In addition to his legislative work, McDiarmid is a firefighter and community liaison with the Three Rivers Fire Department. He served 2-terms on the Palmer Conservation Commission. McDiarmid is committed to outdoor justice, and served as a former Outings Leader for Latino Outdoors, where he worked to advance inclusive access to the outdoors. He holds board roles with the Opacum Land Trust, Norcross Wildlife Foundation, and Connecticut River Conservancy. McDiarmid holds a BA in Political Science and Public Policy from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and a Master's of Public Administration in international development from Norwich University. Born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and raised in Western Massachusetts, he is passionate about public service, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. McDiarmid lives in Palmer with his dog, Jameson, and his cat, Lewis. CRC@ctriver.org

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Upcoming Events CRC's events bring the people to the river and the river to the people! Join us to learn, connect, and engage with all that the watershed has to offer. Events may be virtual or in-person and are added throughout the year. Upcoming events are listed below. You can also sign up for email updates to hear about new events as they are scheduled, and view our library of LiveStream recordings. Upcoming Events World Fish Migration Day - Hinsdale, NH May 23, 2026, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Millstream Riverfront Park, 19 Main St, Hinsdale, NH 03451, USA Learn more Boaters on the Front Lines: Protecting NH Waters from Aquatic Invasive Plants May 27, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:10 PM Zoom webinar Learn more Multiple Dates Tree Planting at Millers Meadows in Greenfield, MA May 30, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM Millers Meadow, Kimball Dr, Greenfield, MA 01301, USA Learn more Mill River Water Walk May 31, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Smith College Boat House, 21 College Ln, Northampton, MA 01063, USA Learn more Angling and Donuts Jun 07, 2026, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM Whetstone Brook in Brattleboro, 250 Birge St, Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA Learn more CT Trails Day Intermediate Paddle - Connecticut River Jun 07, 2026, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Wethersfield Cove Park, 533 Main St, Wethersfield, CT 06109, USA Learn more CT Trails Day Beginner Paddle - Wethersfield Cove Jun 07, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Wethersfield Cove Park, 533 Main St, Wethersfield, CT 06109, USA Learn more River Cruise & Annual Meeting Jun 13, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Goodwin University, 1 Riverside Dr, East Hartford, CT 06118, USA Learn more Angling and Donuts at the Saxtons River Jun 14, 2026, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM Blake Higgins Dam Removal Site, 91 Paper Mill Rd, Bellows Falls, VT 05101, USA Learn more Event Calendar View May 2026 Today Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 26 Day (3/4) City Nature Challenge: Connecticut River Watershed +1 more 27 Day (4/4) City Nature Challenge: Connecticut River Watershed 28 29 30 6:00 PM Wild & Scenic Film Festival with CRC 1 2 9:30 AM Tree Planting at Millers Meadows in Greenfield, MA +1 more 3 4 Day (1/7) Wild & Scenic Film Festival VIDEO ON DEMAND +1 more 5 Day (2/7) Wild & Scenic Film Festival VIDEO ON DEMAND 6 Day (3/7) Wild & Scenic Film Festival VIDEO ON DEMAND +1 more 7 Day (4/7) Wild & Scenic Film Festival VIDEO ON DEMAND +2 more 8 Day (5/7) Wild & Scenic Film Festival VIDEO ON DEMAND 9 Day (6/7) Wild & Scenic Film Festival VIDEO ON DEMAND 10 Day (7/7) Wild & Scenic Film Festival VIDEO ON DEMAND 11 12 13 12:00 PM From Runoff to Resilience: Rethinking Stormwater with Green Infrastructure - LiveStream webinar 14 15 16 9:00 AM Fort River Water Walk +1 more 17 10:00 AM **CANCELLED ON 5/16** - Spring 2026 Paddle the Border 18 19 20 21 22 23 11:00 AM World Fish Migration Day - Hinsdale, NH 24 25 26 27 11:00 AM Boaters on the Front Lines: Protecting NH Waters from Aquatic Invasive Plants 28 29 30 9:30 AM Tree Planting at Millers Meadows in Greenfield, MA 31 10:00 AM Mill River Water Walk 1 2 3 4 5 6 9:30 AM Tree Planting at Millers Meadows in Greenfield, MA For questions about CRC's events, or to recommend future events, contact Stacey at slennard - at - ctriver.org.

aappleton at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 201 He/Him < Back Ansel Appleton Staff Accountant Ansel Appleton joined CRC’s finance department in September of 2023, assisting with accounts payable and general ledger entries. Before working for the river, he pursued stints as a bartender, a bookkeeper, a traveling slam poet, and a chef. When not filling out IRS forms and expense reimbursements, he can be found reading his long-form articles, or watching the neighborhood squirrels. Ansel is a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, a resident of Greenfield, and a proud product of Greenfield Community College. aappleton at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 201 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

sheitker at ctriver.org 413-490-9197 She/Her < Back Susan Heitker Chief Development Officer Susan serves as Chief Development Officer at the Connecticut River Conservancy, where she leads fundraising strategy to support clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities across the watershed. She brings a collaborative, relationship-centered approach to development, centering equity, transparency, and shared responsibility in engaging supporters and partners. Susan’s work spans more than 30 years across mission-driven organizations focused on environmental protection, community organizing, and social justice. Her experience includes fundraising strategy, grant writing, and donor relations, with an emphasis on connecting supporters to meaningful, long-term impact. Susan lives in western Massachusetts and enjoys rock climbing, tabletop games, and music. sheitker at ctriver.org 413-490-9197 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate