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Ward WilsonExecutive Director
ward@kwalliance.org Ward Wilson became Executive Director of Kentucky Waterways Alliance in 2017 after his good friend and longtime director Judy Petersen retired. He is a Kentucky native and has always enjoyed water, starting with an early fascination with the critters in Kentucky creeks. Ward enjoys wading, swimming, fishing, paddling, photography, hiking, biking, and sitting on the banks of Kentucky waterways. He studied biology at the University of Kentucky, worked as an environmental scientist at Maxey Flats Radioactive Waste Site in Fleming County, earned an M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Virginia Tech, and went on to have a 30-year career as a Professional Engineer and Board Certified Environmental Engineer. Ward joined KWA in its early years and has been an active member of KWA ever since, including seven years as Vice President of the KWA board before joining the staff. Ward believes all Kentuckians deserve clean and healthy waterways.
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Judy PetersenExecutive Director Emerita
Judith Petersen served as executive director for Kentucky Waterways Alliance from 1997 to 2017 and is still an invaluable resource for the organization as a consultant. Judy is a national leader in clean water policy and respected voice for Kentucky waterways. She holds a B.S in aerospace engineering from Pennsylvania State University.
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Laura GregoryRed River Watershed Coordinator
laura@kwalliance.org Laura Gregory joined the KWA team as the Red River Watershed Coordinator in May 2017. Born and raised in Denton, TX, Laura attended The University of Texas at Austin, receiving a B.A. in Geography. Since then she has rock climbed, backpacked, biked, worked migrant farm jobs, and played music across the country. She moved to Kentucky in 2009 after falling in love with the people, the place, the music, and the perfect climate for gardening. Laura was previously the Coordinator for the Wolfe County, KY Grow Appalachia Program- a non-profit, grant funded, science and education based organic gardening program.
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Susan Griffin WardCommunity Engagement Director
Susan@kwalliance.org Susan joined the KWA team as Community Engagement Director in October of 2021. She is a native of Louisville and graduate of the University of Dayton where she studied social work and English literature. Her professional career has been dedicated to nonprofit service at social service and environmental organizations in Louisville. Susan is also a photographer and author of the book, Looking for the Sun at Merton’s Corner, a Collection of Portraits. Over the years, Susan has spent as much of her free time as possible canoeing, kayaking, and boating on Kentucky’s beautiful rivers and creeks. Susan is looking forward to furthering KWA's mission by increasing our engagement with current and future volunteers, donors, partners, and communities. If you or your organization would like to partner with KWA to protect, restore, and celebrate your favorite Kentucky waterway give Susan a call or send her an email. She will be happy to talk with you about how we can work together!
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Robbie McConnellOffice Manager
Robbie@kwalliance.org Robbie joined the KWA team as Office Manager in August of 2022. She brings over 25 years of
administrative non-profit experience in accounting, office management, development, and general office administration. Robbie enjoys the challenges and rewards that come with the daily operations of a non-profit office. She is adept at wearing many hats. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, movies, planting and maintaining her flower gardens, especially the pollinators, and spending time with her family. Robbie resides in Southern Indiana. |