New Positions Recognize Skills and Achievements
Washington, DC – September 18 – David Flores, Brent Walls, and Ashley Flores all assumed new roles at Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN), Betsy Nicholas, PRKN President announced today. David is the organization’s new Vice President and General Counsel; Brent Walls is now both Upper Potomac Riverkeeper and Program Director; and Ashley Flores takes over as Digital Marketing and Communications Manager.
“These three exemplify the strength of our staff. They consistently show dedication to our mission and we are better for their hard work. They truly deserve this recognition,” said Nicholas.
Before joining Potomac Riverkeeper Network, David Flores served as a regional director at the Sierra Club supporting energy campaigns and chapters in Mid-Atlantic and Central Appalachian states. He previously worked at Blue Water Baltimore in its Waterkeeper program, leading development of research and advocacy programming on water quality and pollution monitoring; regulation of stormwater, sewage, and industrial pollution; and enforcement of state and federal clean water law. After serving as Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper, David joined the Center for Progressive Reform and continued work in policy research and regulatory advocacy focused on industrial stormwater, chemical disaster, cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay, and climate adaptation for regulation of water pollution. David earned a J.D. with honors from the University of Maryland School of Law, graduating with the Certificate of Concentration in Environmental Law and the Public Service Award. He holds a B.A. in environmental science from Bard College.
Since 2009, Brent Walls has served the Upper Potomac Riverkeeper and is responsible for defending the public trust of the rivers and streams in the Upper Potomac by advocating for clean water and ensuring the virtues of the Clean Water Act are enforced. Brent Walls has been an advocate for clean water for over a decade. With an Environmental Science background in fresh water ecology, Brent has brought a valuable scientific perspective to Potomac Riverkeeper since 2009. His experience in water quality sampling has ensured defensible enforcement actions and has been a unique advising asset with local watershed groups. Brent’s love of maps and proficiency with Geographical Information Systems has inspired the development of Water Trail maps in the Upper Potomac and has provided PRK with valuable interactive web maps and the creation of a mobile application to report water pollution.
An Annapolis, Maryland native, Ashley grew up on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, indulging in blue crab feasts. She is a loving pet mom to an American Staffordshire Terrier, Kodak, and two cats, Koa & Kilo, and is also a proud plant mom who finds great pleasure and calm while tending to them. Ashley earned her B.S. in Biology from the University of Washington in Seattle where she focused on ecology, evolution, and conservation. During her years in Washington state, Ashley’s innate love of nature and wildlife grew with the opportunity to explore rainforests, mountain ranges, and glacial lakes. Her passions include traveling, hiking, weight lifting, and makeup artistry. When not adventuring, she advocates for animal rights and welfare and social justice and against climate change. She hopes to make meaningful and significant progress on our waters through her work with PRKN. As Ashley says, “Water is life”.
Nicholas concluded, “Watch for great things from David, Brent, and Ashley – and from us – as we continue to grow and enhance our dedication to our mission: clean water for everyone, everywhere.”
