2023 Potomac River Report Card
#PotomacReportCard
Contributors
Katie Blackman, Project Manager
Katie Blackman is Vice President of Programs and Operations for Potomac Conservancy. She serves in a senior leadership role, overseeing programming directly related to achieving clean water goals in the Potomac and daily operations at the Conservancy. Katie also directs the organization’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice efforts. Katie has a BA from UMBC in history and elementary education and a master’s degree from King’s College of London in Tourism, Environment, and Development with a concentration on volunteer ecotourism.
Melissa Diemand, Publication Editor
Melissa Diemand is the VP of Communications for Potomac Conservancy. She oversees the Conservancy's strategic brand, marketing, and movement-building strategies. She is the principal editor of the Potomac River Report Card and the online editor of Rising to the Challenge, a six-part series exploring local impacts of the climate crisis. Melissa is co-chair of the Choose Clean Water Coalition communications workgroup and Board Chair of the Center for Spirituality in Nature. Melissa has a background in political polling and market research. She earned degrees in Political Science and International Studies from the American University in Washington, DC.
Robert O’Donnell: Research and Writing
Robbie O’Donnell currently serves as the Program Implementation Coordinator for The Commons, an organization dedicated to supporting the environmental movement with access to high-quality digital services and open toolkits that use data to spark community action and improvement to the environment. He has worked in water quality and restoration throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed for over a decade with a focus on Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Robbie has a background in geology and marine science with a B.S. in Geology from the University of Mary Washington and an M.S. in Marine Science from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Daniela Jungova: Promotion
Daniela is the Director of Communications for Potomac Conservancy. In her role, she is passionate about communicating the organization’s values, goals, strategy, and impact to build community and help advance its mission to restore the health of the Potomac River. Daniela comes to the Conservancy with experience in nonprofit communications, development, project management, and direct service. She holds a BA and MA in Environmental Studies from Masaryk University.
Haley Epping: Promotion
Haley is the Digital Grassroots Manager for Potomac Conservancy. She mobilizes our movement of clean water supporters and helps it become an ever-powerful force of nature that drives positive, transformative change. Haley holds bachelor's degrees in Communication Studies and Law and Society from American University. She earned a master’s degree from American University in Strategic Communication with a concentration in Digital Communication Strategies and Analytics.
Corey Tiani, Pointpixl: Design and Layout
Corey is a problem solver with unbridled creativity for sophisticated, human-centric design. As a creator for the real world, he uses a deep understanding of goals, constraints, and process to give every pixel a purpose. As an outdoorsman and conservationist, Corey has worked with Potomac Conservancy for nearly a decade to build their brand, extend their web presence, and fight for clean water in our nation's capital.
Chris Lowden, Pointpixl: Front-End Development
Chris is an experienced front-end web developer with a passion for building complex and creative user interfaces. Since discovering his interest in web development during his 7th-grade web course, he has dedicated his 20-year career to creating seamless and engaging digital experiences for a diverse range of clients, from small local businesses to large corporations. When he's not immersed in coding, Chris can often be found pursuing his love for fishing, especially for largemouth bass and fly fishing. He finds inner peace when he's out on the water.