ANNAPOLIS, MD — Kristin Reilly will serve as the Choose Clean Water Coalition’s next director, the Coalition announced today. Reilly, who previously served as the Coalition’s communications director and led its internal and external communications strategies, will help guide the Coalition and execute its collaborative and innovative efforts to ensure clean water is returned to the rivers and streams that flow into a healthy Chesapeake Bay.

The Choose Clean Water Coalition is made up of more than 230 local, state, regional and national organizations from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia that work together to restore clean water to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. 

“Kristin is a proven leader who will bring her experience, vision and collaborative approach to the Coalition and its work,” said Jen Mihills, Mid-Atlantic Regional Executive Director at the National Wildlife Federation and co-chair of the Coalition’s Steering Committee. “The Chesapeake Bay has made tremendous strides thanks to the efforts of a broad array of stakeholders coming together through the Choose Clean Water Coalition and other efforts. We’re excited to see how Kristin will continue to grow this critical partnership and transform its vision for a healthy and clean Chesapeake Bay into reality.”

The National Wildlife Federation is proud to host the Choose Clean Water Coalition and is fully committed to support its essential and unparalleled work for the Chesapeake Bay’s waters, wildlife and people.

“The progress we are seeing in our waterways is due in large part to the incredible work of the more than 230 Coalition members across the watershed,” Reilly said. “Now more than ever, we need a strong, diverse, and coordinated environmental community that will continue to push for clean water in our local rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay. I am honored to be part of this powerful force for clean water.”

Prior to her work at the Coalition, Reilly has worked at the intersection of communications and environmental policy for an array of leading conservation organizations. She helped lead digital communications, advocacy and marketing strategies at Oceana. Reilly also has worked for the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Chesapeake Bay Program and the Izaak Walton League of America.

Reilly has a master's degree in Public Communications from American University and a bachelor's degree in Geography and Political Science from Miami University. 

Reilly succeeds Chanté Coleman who recently became the National Wildlife Federation’s first Director of Equity and Inclusion