Our Team

The St. Johns Riverkeeper: Lisa Rinaman

The St. Johns Riverkeeper is the chief advocate and public's voice for the St. Johns River.  Responsibilities include: holding regulatory agencies and those polluting the river accountable; identifying and advocating for solutions that will protect and restore the river; working with government entities, businesses, community leaders and citizens to resolve problems that impact the river’s health; and communicating with the media and the public to educate and raise awareness about important river-related issues.

As a former senior staff member for Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton, Lisa Rinaman has extensive experience building consensus around issues and helped implement numerous environmental initiatives and policies. Lisa was instrumental in leading the effort to develop and implement irrigation, fertilizer and Florida Friendly landscaping ordinances to better protect the St. Johns and local waterways. She also played a key role in securing state funding for water quality improvements, organizing the city's successful Manatee Protection Plan, and pushing for programs necessary to fulfill the River Accord restoration plan for the Lower St. Johns River.

Before being named the St. Johns Riverkeeper, Lisa served as a valuable member of the St. Johns Riverkeeper Water Policy Group (WPG), a group that advocates for water conservation and reuse and policies that are more protective of our water resources. 
(904) 256-7591
Lisa@stjohnsriverkeeper.org

Executive Director: Jimmy Orth

In addition to assisting the Riverkeeper in the field, Jimmy Orth maintains overall responsibility for budgeting, staffing, program development, fundraising, and public relations. A native of Jacksonville, Jimmy has extensive experience working on environmental issues in Northeast Florida through his involvement with other environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, where he served as an executive committee member for over eight years and as a regional chairman. In 2003, Volunteer Jacksonville awarded Jimmy its Nature of Caring award. Jimmy received his undergraduate degree from Florida State in Marketing, and his master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of North Florida.
(904) 256-7591
jimmy@stjohnsriverkeeper.org

Volunteer and Events Coordinator:  Roger Linville

Roger coordinates our volunteer network and is responsible for event planning and implementation. He grew up in Jacksonville and obtained degrees in Psychology, Fine Arts and Educational Technology from Florida State University. During his career in Corporate Communications with PPG Industries in Pittsburgh, Roger managed corporate events and tradeshows, oversaw the corporate identity program and produced promotional videos. Roger and his wife, Janet moved back to Jacksonville in 2009, when he began volunteering with St. Johns Riverkeeper, becoming our rain barrel expert. Roger loves photography and building things, and he is an avid runner and kayaker.
(904) 256-7908
roger@stjohnsriverkeeper.org

Outreach Director: Shannon Blankinship

Shannon's responsibilities include organizing community outreach events and programs, developing partnerships with community organizations and businesses, and organizing boat trips. Shannon is a devoted and energetic advocate for the protection and preservation of Florida's most treasured natural resources, especially the St. Johns River. She received her Bachelor's of Science from Purdue University in Environmental Science and Natural Resources Economics before working for the Delaware Riverkeeper Network in Philadelphia. Shannon is currently attending Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville and has received the Environmental Certificate of Law.
904-256-7613
shannon@stjohnsriverkeeper.org

Education Director: Greg Nagel

Greg is responsible for creating and delivering education programs and resources for educators, students, and the public. He has over 14 years of informal education program development, delivery, and management experience. Greg has worked at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, The Florida Aquarium, and most recently as Director of Museum Experiences at EdVenture Children’s Museum in Columbia, South Carolina. Greg has hiked throughout the country and beyond including the Canadian Rockies and Swiss Alps.
 (904) 256-7591
greg@stjohnsriverkeeper.org

  

Database & Office Manager: Deborah Venn

Deb maintains the membership database and manages donations, mailing, and reporting and phone inquiries at St. Johns Riverkeeper. With 20 years of technology experience, she is working to extend outreach and facilitate communications.  After graduating from Terry Parker High School, she spent the next 35 years in Vermont working as a musician, carpenter and activist, and earning a degree from Trinity College in Programming.   Deborah fell in love with the St Johns River after spotting her first manatee in the Ft. Caroline area when she was young.  She returned to Jacksonville in 2000 and re-discovered her love for the river, its tributaries, springs and the ocean they feed.  An avid kayaker and gardener, Deb is thankful for the opportunity to help turn the tide toward a healthier river.
(904) 256-7591
Deborah@stjohnsriverkeeper.org

General Counsel: Michael L. Howle

Michael serves as General Counsel and Chief Prosecuting Attorney, allowing St. Johns Riverkeeper to more effectively address issues that are impacting the health of the river, hold polluters accountable, and ensure that our environmental laws and regulations are adequately implemented and enforced. Michael is a native of St. Johns County. He obtained a bachelor's degree with High Honors from the University of Florida and earned his law degree from the University of Florida College of Law. Mr. Howle is a co-founder of the Public Trust Environmental Law Institute of Florida, a non-profit environmental advocacy organization. In addition to being admitted to the Florida Bar and the Federal Courts for the Middle District of Florida, Michael is also a member of the Environmental and Land Use Section of the Florida Bar, the Jacksonville Bar Association, and the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers.
 

 Board of Directors

Rex Setzer, Chairman
Brooks Busey, Vice-Chair
John Ragsdale, Secretary
Christopher Ball, Treasurer
Donald Blanchard
Jim Draper
Victoria Freeman
Ray Hays
Bruce Homeyer
Barbara Ketchum
Deborah Lamir
Helen Lane
Ben Williams

St. Johns Riverkeeper Legal Committee

Warren Anderson
Marc Hardesty
Wayne Hogan
Bill Sheppard

• Our Team
• Our First 10 Years
• Waterkeeper History

St. Johns Riverkeeper is a non-profit organization that serves as a full-time advocate and “watchdog” for the St. Johns River, its watershed, and the public to whom it belongs.