STATESBORO — The Ogeechee Riverkeeper organization recently announced the promotion of Dianna Wedincamp, longtime advocate and community organizer, as the Ogeechee Riverkeeper effective Monday.
Wedincamp was a founding board member of Canoochee Riverkeeper in 2001. In 2005, she joined the staff, and her latest position has been as program director for Ogeechee Riverkeeper.
"Dianna’s passion for protecting the rivers, skill in community organizing, knowledge of the issues affecting our rivers and health, and long-standing commitment to the rivers and organization made her a standout among many highly qualified applicants," Ogeechee Riverkeeper Chairman Jim Abbot said.
Wedincamp is a native of Emanuel County. She has a bachelor’s degree in recreation with an emphasis in natural and cultural resource management and a minor in geographic information systems from Georgia Southern University.
Wedincamp and her husband, Dr. Jim Wedincamp, a biology professor at East Georgia College in Swainsboro, have two sons and live in Emanuel County. They enjoy fishing, swimming and boating on the Ogeechee and Canoochee Rivers, and Wedincamp said her favorite activities growing up were swimming and fishing all of the Ogeechee River.
"I am excited to be the new Ogeechee Riverkeeper," she said, "and to continue the great work this organization has done in protecting the Ogeechee, Canoochee and coastal rivers for future generations."
"I am so confident in Dianna’s skills and passion and commitment to our rivers, communities, and organization," said Chandra Brown, founding Riverkeeper and executive director. "Her experience and enthusiasm helped us more than double our members to nearly 2,000 people. She has been single-handedly responsible for recruiting and managing over 500 volunteers a year, as well as organizing our extremely popular paddle trips series. I know that her leadership will take Ogeechee Riverkeeper to new heights in protecting our rivers and coast from pollution."
The Ogeechee Riverkeeper organization will have a series of meet-and-greets around the river basin to give members an opportunity to welcome Wedincamp to her new role and discuss issues that are important to them.