Contributors
Katie Blackman
Project Manager
Katie Blackman is Vice President of Strategic Programs and Partnerships 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 is a water quality professional with 12 years of experience in environmental science, watershed management, and water policy. He received his BS in geology from the University of Mary Washington and his MS in Marine Science from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. His past experience has allowed him to work on environmental issues throughout the Chesapeake Bay with a focus on issues in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
Frederick Johnson III
_+ Co-Founder
Frederick is a creative strategist and environmental planner who merges ecological insight with cultural storytelling to design systems that work for both people and the planet. His expertise spans environmental justice, community engagement, and strategic facilitation—ensuring that every project is rooted in sustainable, equitable, and locally resonant practices. At _+, Frederick addresses environmental challenges holistically—restoring land, water, and air while also restoring the cultural fabric that makes communities whole. The result is a community-driven solution that is more resilient, sustainable, and ecologically conscious.
Damon Turner
_+ Co-Founder
Damon Turner is a cultural architect, recording artist, and entrepreneur whose work lives at the intersection of art, activism, and systemic change. At _+, Damon is a creative strategist and environmental designer. His cultural architecture forms the emotional and narrative foundation of the work—infusing projects with story, symbolism, and community-centered design. Paired with Frederick’s environmental strategy, this approach transforms initiatives into living ecosystems where art and nature co-create impact.
Contributor and Marketing
Haley is the Director of Digital Communications and Strategy 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.
pointpixl: web design
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 its brand, expand its web presence, and fight for clean water in our nation's capital.
