WRWA Announces Meghan Jeans as New Executive Director

The Westport River Watershed Alliance (WRWA) is excited to announce the hiring of Meghan Jeans as its new Executive Director, effective March 2, 2026.

After a national search that attracted many highly qualified candidates, the WRWA Search Committee selected Jeans following a thorough and competitive review process. She lives locally within the watershed and brings a strong background in environmental leadership and community-based conservation. As Executive Director, she will oversee WRWA’s programs, partnerships, and advocacy efforts focused on protecting and restoring the Westport River watershed.

Jeans is a senior conservation and philanthropic leader with more than two decades of experience advancing marine and coastal conservation, climate resilience, and science-based environmental stewardship. Her work spans grantmaking, nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration, with a focus on translating knowledge into durable, community-driven impact.

“We are thrilled to welcome Meghan to WRWA,” said board President Mike Sullivan. “Her depth of experience and passion for watershed protection will be a tremendous asset to our organization and to the Westport community.”

Jeans currently serves on the boards of Ocean Wise and American Friends of Blue Ventures and has advised a wide range of domestic and international conservation initiatives. She holds a J.D. and M.S. in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School and a B.A. in Biology and Environmental Science from Colby College.

“The Westport River Watershed Alliance has a remarkable history of pairing strong science and stewardship with deep community roots,” said Jeans. “I’m excited to build on that foundation and help translate long-term research and monitoring into meaningful action that protects the watershed and strengthens the community it supports.”