Welcoming New Board Members

PRWC is pleased to welcome two new members, John McDonald and Anne Westerman, to the Board of Directors.

John McDonald was born in Waterbury and raised in Middlebury, graduating from Pomperaug High School. John comes to the board with over 30 years of legal practice in personal injury and Workers’ Compensation cases. He began his law career in New Hampshire after graduating from Case Western Reserve University. John, along with his wife and two children, currently resides in Woodbury along the Nonnewaug River. The McDonald family enjoys outdoor activities such as golfing, skiing, hiking and cycling.

Upon joining the board, John stated, “I am honored to have been asked to serve on the board of an organization that is dedicated to preserving the water quality, the wildlife habitat and fishery of the Pomperaug River and its watershed. The work of this organization not only helps preserve this local gem, it also aids with the water quality downstream all the way into Long Sound and beyond.”

Anne Westerman has been an involved member of her community through her church and environmental organizations. Anne served as Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust president and board member and continues to volunteer. She served on the PRWC Advisory Council and volunteers for trash cleanups, planting projects, educational programs, and events. In 2019, PRWC presented Anne Westerman with the Dr. Marc J. Taylor Environmental Stewardship Award for her countless contributions to the local environment. Anne and her husband Gary have two adult children pursuing careers in science.

Anne expressed her enthusiasm when she told us "I look forward to rounding out my experience in environmental stewardship and conservation by serving on the board of such a trusted and scientific organization. I have so much to learn from PRWC! What could be more important than water? They have answers to the simple questions, and are contributing high level research to help us monitor and protect this vital resource, and I am happy to help spread that word."

PRWC thanks outgoing member, Gail McTaggart, for her 10 years of dedicated service and recent leadership as Board Chair. Bob Travers was elected to fill the Board Chair position for the coming year while Ann Feinberg and David Taylor were re-elected to officer positions, respectively serving as Vice Chair and Treasurer/Secretary.

Over the past year, PRWC mourned the loss of two former, long-time board members - Anne Delo and Benton Leach. Both were dedicated supporters, cherished friends, and mentors to PRWC. Anne was such a generous and purposeful advocate - connecting with people to tell PRWC’s story and why its work is so important. If you knew Anne, we hope you see her influence woven throughout this newsletter. As a chemist, Ben’s knowledge and leadership was instrumental to PRWC’s science initiatives and he continued to stay involved, regularly sharing relevant journal articles with the staff.