Our Team

Mother to two wonderful young boys, who motivate her ongoing environmental justice work, she is enrolled as a Political Science student at FGCU and has been a grassroots activist and community organizer for years. She volunteers for organizations advocating for the environment and Everglades restoration, and is inspired to create the political will for climate solutions.

Tim spent most of his professional career in investment management in Boston, Dallas and New Hampshire. He and his family have been visiting Southwest Florida for 30 years and have owned property on Captiva and Sanibel since 2010 and 2016 respectively. Upon retirement in 2019, he and wife Louise have lived on Sanibel eight months of the year. An avid fisherman and boater, Tim is acutely aware of the fragility of our waterways and joined the CWK board to contribute to improving water quality for Southwest Florida citizens and visitors.

Jim has been visiting Florida since the 1950’s and went to the University of Miami in the 60’s. He’s been a waterfront property owner here since 2004. He has served as President of numerous Boards of water quality watch dog groups, such as the Clark Fork Coalition and the Rock Creek Alliance as well as founding the Kaniksu Land Trust. He is an avid boater and fisherman and attended the first class for Waterkeeper Rangers. Jim has served as both Treasurer and President of the board.

Ruth Watkins has over 30 years experience working for water quality-focused environmental organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Much of that time was spent coordinating with agencies, local governments and diverse groups to undertake multifaceted projects to protect vulnerable water resources. Ruth has served as both Treasurer and President of the board.

John’s professional career as an ecologist started here in Lee County in 1978 after receiving degrees in Biology and Fish and Wildlife. From 1978 to 2014 he worked as a resource manager for local government, managing waterways of Southwest Florida. He has authored both peer-reviewed scientific publications and popular media sources on resource management, history, water policy and conservation issues. His service on advisory boards, his commitment to community and involvement with land and water conservation has led to recognition from various civic groups, Including the Florida Audubon Society, Estero Bay Agency on Bay Management, Lee County Government, the Everglades Coalition, the American Fisheries Society, and the Alberta provincial government. In November 2016, John accepted the position of Calusa Waterkeeper, a member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance. In December 2022, John retired and the board bestowed the title of Calusa Waterkeeper Emeritus to honor his incredible service and leadership.