River Raisin Watershed Council Names New Part-time Executive Director

The Executive Committee of the River Raisin Watershed Council (RRWC) which works to protect Manchester and the whole of the River Raisin watershed, voted 6-0 to select Stephen May as its next Executive Director, on August 12. This will become effective October 1.

May, currently serving as Drain Commissioner to the Lenawee County Board of Commissioners, will resign as Drain Commissioner. May stated, “I am excited to lead the RRWC in our mission, especially rebuilding our financial base — with a goal of allowing me to pass the baton to a full-time Director in the future.”

“The main consideration was our need to keep up the positive momentum built by Carley Kratz, PhD, (the prior Director) in the past year and a half. Mr. May brings years of experience with our mission and a wealth of contacts to build the resources needed to protect the watershed,” stated Evan Pratt, Committee representative for Washtenaw County.

May will be succeeding Carley Kratz, PhD. He admitted that “Carley set the bar high and will be a tough act to follow.” He added that he had already spoken to Kratz about a continued role in the group’s outreach and education. “Carley really got our rebuilding efforts off the ground and we want people to know she is still involved.”

May will be a part-time employee up to 25 hours per week, compensated the same as the prior Director. May added, “It has been a great run of more than 27 years in the Drain office and over 18 ½ years as Drain Commissioner, and in an advisory role to the RRWC. Now it’s time for a hands-on role to ensure our rebuilding continues to make a difference in the watershed.”

For more information, visit www.riverraisin.org or contact Vice-Chair Sybil Kolon at Sybil.kolon@gmail.com or (734) 428-8108.

The River Raisin Watershed Council is a nonprofit membership organization with a growing constituency of individuals, businesses, municipalities and community groups seeking to protect the natural resources of the watershed. Working in partnership with these diverse interests, RRWC acts as a catalyst to improve the watershed environment through planning, advocacy, education, science, and protection of watershed lands.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.