Waterkeepers Chesapeake is pleased to announce the selection of Matt Henjum as its next Director. Matt will succeed Acting Executive Director Robin Broder who retires this summer after a long association with Waterkeepers Chesapeake, including leading the organization the past 2 years.
Matt Henjum brings more than sixteen years of experience working on environmental law, policy, and litigation issues as an attorney with the federal government and nonprofit sector. Prior to his time in the federal government, Matt served as a Senior Staff Attorney with Chesapeake Legal Alliance, where he helped advance the cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed by coordinating a volunteer attorney network that provided free legal assistance to communities and organizations working to improve water quality. During that time, he worked with Waterkeepers on enforcement, advocacy, and public education initiatives. Throughout his career, Matt has worked to advance practical solutions to complex environmental challenges.
“I’m thrilled we found a strong new Director – Matt Henjum – who has been an enthusiastic supporter and champion of Waterkeepers since his days working at Chesapeake Legal Alliance,” said Robin Broder, Acting Executive Director.
After almost 20 years working with the Waterkeepers in the region, Robin will retire this summer. Robin began her Waterkeeper journey serving as Vice President of Potomac Riverkeeper Network for 7 years. She served on Waterkeepers Chesapeake’s Board of Directors for 7 years and helped establish it as a nonprofit organization in 2012. Robin became the Deputy Director in 2020. Over the years, Robin was instrumental in leading the successful campaign to ban fracking in Maryland, passing legislation in Maryland to strengthen Clean Water Act protections, and bringing a historic conclusion to the relicensing of the Conowingo Dam, as well as providing direct support to the Waterkeepers.
“I’m excited to be joining Waterkeepers Chesapeake and look forward to learning from Robin before she retires. I deeply admire the Waterkeeper model, and this job gives me the opportunity to support not just one, or two – but sixteen different Waterkeepers who work in a diverse array of communities across the Bay watershed. They deal with virtually every water quality challenge. They’re constantly on the water and in their communities gathering information—monitoring, documenting, and communicating what they find. Our Waterkeepers’ collective actions and knowledge gives us a unique and powerful voice,” said Matt Henjum.
“Waterkeepers Chesapeake’s Board of Directors and our member Waterkeepers want to thank Robin for her significant contributions to advancing the Waterkeepers’ tremendous impact on protecting and restoring local waterways and communities. We are incredibly grateful to hand over the leadership of the organization to Matt Henjum’s very capable hands. The need for Waterkeepers Chesapeake could not be more pressing as the threats to clean water multiply and continue to increase in scope and severity. We know Matt can meet these challenges,” said Ben Scheelk, Chair of the Board of Directors.
“It’s been an honor to play a part in the growth of our Waterkeepers across the region. They are incredibly smart, dedicated and passionate advocates for their local communities. I’m excited for the next chapter as the Waterkeepers continue to work together to find solutions and hold polluters accountable,” said Robin.
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