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Ward WilsonExecutive Director
ward@kwalliance.org Ward Wilson became Executive Director of Kentucky Waterways Alliance in February 2017 after serving on the Board of Directors since 2010 He has been an active member of KWA for over 25 years. Ward is a Kentucky native and has always enjoyed water. He studied biology at the University of Kentucky, lived in Colorado and other states for several years, and then earned an M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Virginia Tech. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Kentucky and a Board Certified Environmental Engineer by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. A consulting engineer for over 25 years, Ward has found his dream job at KWA.
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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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Deb Ackerson
Administrative Operations Manager
Deb@kwalliance.org
Deb joined the KWA team as Administrative Operations Manager in February of 2022. She spent many years in veterinary management and developed a passion for learning about new places by working in Boston, New York, and Washington D.C., to name a few. After returning to Louisville, her career developed into financial administration which led her to the non-profit sector. She feels right at home at KWA, combining her love of environmental work with the rewarding impact a non-profit organization can have. She spends her free time running and hiking the trails around the city, and rounds out her hobbies with abstract painting, studying piano, and cooking new recipes.