Mission Statement:
"The River Guardian Foundation will set the standard for safeguarding our lakes, rivers, and streams for present and future generations of people and wildlife. By forging partnerships, creating a strong sense of community stewardship, and building strong advocacy, research, education, and monitoring programs, we will insure pure, clean water for drinking, fishing and recreation."
Introduction
The River Guardian Foundation (“RGF”) is a non-profit environmental advocacy organization formally established in May of 2013 as a result of concerns related to the need for increased advocacy and public education about water quality issues. We organized to: advocate for and educate the public on matters related to water quality; conduct and distribute research, studies, and analysis relating to environmental issues; and monitor water bodies for potential contamination threats. The RGF seeks to focus public debate on solutions to environmental problems and safe alternatives to threats to the environment. The RGF intends to develop policy solutions and proposals to address environmental problems including, but not limited to: water pollution, toxic waste generation and disposal, and pesticide and herbicide use. Research, education, and outreach activities will be aimed toward promoting pollution prevention and changes in production sources that would assist in reducing or eliminating waste and pollution. The RGF will concentrate its educational and outreach activities in communities and neighborhoods most directly affected by contamination with an emphasis on low- and middle-income, multicultural, and rural communities.
"The River Guardian Foundation will set the standard for safeguarding our lakes, rivers, and streams for present and future generations of people and wildlife. By forging partnerships, creating a strong sense of community stewardship, and building strong advocacy, research, education, and monitoring programs, we will insure pure, clean water for drinking, fishing and recreation."
Introduction
The River Guardian Foundation (“RGF”) is a non-profit environmental advocacy organization formally established in May of 2013 as a result of concerns related to the need for increased advocacy and public education about water quality issues. We organized to: advocate for and educate the public on matters related to water quality; conduct and distribute research, studies, and analysis relating to environmental issues; and monitor water bodies for potential contamination threats. The RGF seeks to focus public debate on solutions to environmental problems and safe alternatives to threats to the environment. The RGF intends to develop policy solutions and proposals to address environmental problems including, but not limited to: water pollution, toxic waste generation and disposal, and pesticide and herbicide use. Research, education, and outreach activities will be aimed toward promoting pollution prevention and changes in production sources that would assist in reducing or eliminating waste and pollution. The RGF will concentrate its educational and outreach activities in communities and neighborhoods most directly affected by contamination with an emphasis on low- and middle-income, multicultural, and rural communities.
Contact us at info@riverguardfdn.org or (919) 400-8996 to report any suspected or observed pollution discharges so that appropriate action may be taken.
Some information about the people working for you and for clean water:
Co-Founder / CEO / President
George C. Matthis, Jr.
BS degree in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, MS degree in General Administration from Central Michigan University. Certified Public Manager. Served 33 years in numerous technical and managerial positions with North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Represented the State of North Carolina on various national environmental committees. Recipient of the Old North State Award for dedication and service beyond expectation and excellence to the State of North Carolina.. Executive director for the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation before co-founding the River Guardian Foundation. Instructor at Vance-Granville Community College for courses in General Biology and Environmental Biology. Appointed to Wake County Open Space and Parks Advisory Commission and is currently chair of the Water Quality Subcommittee.
Send George a message at: George@riverguardfdn.org
Co-Founder / Vice President / Treasurer
Hilary Andrews
Bachelor degrees in Accounting and Business Management from Concordia University, Austin TX. Over 25 years of accounting and management experience in governmental, private, and non-profit organizations.
Send Hilary a message at: Andrews@riverguardfdn.org
Secretary
Kim Preston
25 year IT specialist. Active in community and local school system. Long-time supporter and volunteer with Girl Scouts, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Heaven & Earth Animal Rescue Team and area Athletic Booster Clubs.
Send Kim a message at: Kim@riverguardfdn.org
Director
Bill Jackson
Degree in Business Management from Keystone College La Plume, PA. 30+ years of contracts and procurement experience in private and governmental ventures. Eight years auditor for Great Bend Township, PA and prior member Blue Ridge School Board. Active in community affairs and governmental systems, including NCDENR.
Send Bill a message at: Info@riverguardfdn.org
Director
Jack Weaver
55+ years performing residential, commercial, & special purpose property real estate appraisal. MAI Appraisal Designation, chief appraiser for Fannie Mae, internal consultant for General Electric Mortgage Insurance Companies, and Deputy Director for North Carolina Real Estate Appraisal Board.
Send Jack a message at: Info@riverguardfdn.org
Director
Mark Turner
Mark has a vast knowledge of community affairs and has extensive involvement in outreach and citizen representation. His volunteer activities include serving as a member and chair of the Raleigh Citizens Advisory Council, member and chair of the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board, board director of the Friends of Dorothea Dix Park, and chair of Little Raleigh Radio. Mark, his wife and two children live in Raleigh, NC.
Send Mark a message at: Info@riverguardfdn.org
Co-Founder / CEO / President
George C. Matthis, Jr.
BS degree in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, MS degree in General Administration from Central Michigan University. Certified Public Manager. Served 33 years in numerous technical and managerial positions with North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Represented the State of North Carolina on various national environmental committees. Recipient of the Old North State Award for dedication and service beyond expectation and excellence to the State of North Carolina.. Executive director for the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation before co-founding the River Guardian Foundation. Instructor at Vance-Granville Community College for courses in General Biology and Environmental Biology. Appointed to Wake County Open Space and Parks Advisory Commission and is currently chair of the Water Quality Subcommittee.
Send George a message at: George@riverguardfdn.org
Co-Founder / Vice President / Treasurer
Hilary Andrews
Bachelor degrees in Accounting and Business Management from Concordia University, Austin TX. Over 25 years of accounting and management experience in governmental, private, and non-profit organizations.
Send Hilary a message at: Andrews@riverguardfdn.org
Secretary
Kim Preston
25 year IT specialist. Active in community and local school system. Long-time supporter and volunteer with Girl Scouts, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Heaven & Earth Animal Rescue Team and area Athletic Booster Clubs.
Send Kim a message at: Kim@riverguardfdn.org
Director
Bill Jackson
Degree in Business Management from Keystone College La Plume, PA. 30+ years of contracts and procurement experience in private and governmental ventures. Eight years auditor for Great Bend Township, PA and prior member Blue Ridge School Board. Active in community affairs and governmental systems, including NCDENR.
Send Bill a message at: Info@riverguardfdn.org
Director
Jack Weaver
55+ years performing residential, commercial, & special purpose property real estate appraisal. MAI Appraisal Designation, chief appraiser for Fannie Mae, internal consultant for General Electric Mortgage Insurance Companies, and Deputy Director for North Carolina Real Estate Appraisal Board.
Send Jack a message at: Info@riverguardfdn.org
Director
Mark Turner
Mark has a vast knowledge of community affairs and has extensive involvement in outreach and citizen representation. His volunteer activities include serving as a member and chair of the Raleigh Citizens Advisory Council, member and chair of the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board, board director of the Friends of Dorothea Dix Park, and chair of Little Raleigh Radio. Mark, his wife and two children live in Raleigh, NC.
Send Mark a message at: Info@riverguardfdn.org