The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation, the primary advocate for the river often called “The Hardest Working River in America,” has officially named its new executive director, signaling a fresh start in the ongoing battle to protect the vital waterways of the Carolinas. Stepping into the leadership role is Dr. Mo Drinkard, who will now guide one of the nation’s ten largest Riverkeeper organizations as it addresses a growing list of complex environmental challenges.
Dr. Drinkard’s appointment follows a period of transition after the departure of John Searby, who served for six years and helped propel the organization to a new level of prominence. Searby transitioned to an exclusive role leading the Daniel Stowe Conservancy, maintaining a partnership between the two conservation groups. Now, Dr. Drinkard takes the helm of the nonprofit dedicated to preserving, protecting, and restoring the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.
The scale of the mission is immense. The Catawba-Wateree River flows through twenty six counties across North and South Carolina, stretching over 8,900 miles of waterways. Crucially, this river basin provides drinking water for more than two million residents and generates electricity for over three million, underscoring its immense importance to the regional economy and quality of life.
With a foundation that prides itself on using a science-based approach to its advocacy, Dr. Drinkard’s leadership is expected to champion data driven efforts to tackle the most pressing threats to the basin’s health. A top-of-mind concern for the organization is the persistent problem of stormwater runoff. As development continues at a rapid pace across the Charlotte metropolitan area and beyond, the polluted runoff from impervious surfaces is a constant threat to water quality. The organization has been actively advocating for legislative changes, such as bills that empower communities to address this issue at a local level.
The new director will also oversee crucial work related to monitoring pollution and advocating for better oversight on discharge permits. The Riverkeeper Foundation is known for its hands-on “Protect” team of scientists who work to fill the data gaps left by state and local agencies, providing the community with accurate, up-to-date information on water health through programs like Swim Guide.
Furthermore, in the wake of recent severe weather events like Hurricane Helene, building climate and flood resilience is a priority. The Riverkeeper’s mission now explicitly includes restoration programs for communities impacted by extreme flooding, along with supporting efforts to address failing dams across the basin.
The focus moving forward is clearly on a comprehensive approach: utilizing science to pinpoint problems, advocating for strong policy change, and engaging the public through education and on-the-water experiences. Dr. Drinkard’s tenure begins at a critical juncture for the region. Her leadership will be key in steering the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation toward its goal of ensuring clean, plentiful water for every resident of the basin, now and for generations to come.