WASHINGTON, D.C. — Betsy Nicholas has been appointed president of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN), succeeding her role as Vice President of Programs and Litigation, Board Chair Randy Benn announced on April 2, 2025. Nicholas steps into leadership of the nonprofit dedicated to safeguarding the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, bringing decades of environmental advocacy experience to the position.
The transition follows Nicholas’s impactful tenure as vice president, during which she spearheaded significant legislative wins in Maryland and Virginia and secured key litigation victories for clean water protections. “Betsy has served us exceptionally well as Vice President of Programs and Litigation and during that time achieved passage of historic legislation in both Maryland and Virginia as well as major litigation victories,” Benn said. “The natural choice for us was to ask her to become PRKN President. We could not be happier that she agreed.”
Nicholas joined PRKN from Waterkeepers Chesapeake, where she led a coalition of 17 Waterkeepers protecting the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays Watersheds. Her career also includes a stint as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division and over five years as General Counsel for Chattahoochee Riverkeeper in Atlanta. With more than 25 years in environmental work, she has tackled issues like stormwater pollution, industrial agriculture, Clean Water Act litigation, and endangered species conservation.
Expressing her commitment, Nicholas said, “I have always been an advocate for clean water. Being given this opportunity to lead a group of other advocates who are as passionate and dedicated as any I have ever seen is an honor. I will do my utmost to keep their trust as we all work to protect and defend our right to clean water.” Her leadership comes at a pivotal time as PRKN addresses growing environmental challenges in the Potomac watershed, which spans over 14,000 square miles and serves nearly 6 million people.
Benn praised her resilience and optimism. “I am so eager to see Betsy in her new role. She is unfailingly cheerful, even when faced with stern and difficult opposition – in court and in legislative offices – to actions we know are right and necessary,” he said. “I speak for the entire board when I say that we are in good hands, especially as we embark on an increasingly challenging environment in securing the promise of clean water.”
Founded in 2000, PRKN operates three regional branches—Potomac Riverkeeper, Upper Potomac Riverkeeper, and Shenandoah Riverkeeper—focused on stopping pollution and ensuring safe drinking water and healthy river habitats. Nicholas’s appointment signals a continuation of the organization’s aggressive advocacy, building on her proven track record.
