Jennifer Bolger Breceda is the Executive Director of Milwaukee Riverkeeper, a science-based advocacy organization working for swimmable, fishable rivers throughout the Milwaukee River Basin. In this episode we discuss clean water advocacy, environmental law, road salt water monitoring, phosphorus runoff, the adopt-a-river program and more!

After 15 years of practicing environmental law at several reputable firms in Milwaukee, including being Shareholder and Co-Chair of a successful and busy environmental legal department, Bolger Breceda decided to change course and leave her private practice to start a new chapter in her career as the Executive Director of Milwaukee Riverkeeper.

Over the past 8 years, Bolger Breceda has served as a “chief executive officer,” including chief ambassador, fundraiser, and leader, of this highly-respected science-based environmental advocacy organization. She has grown the Board of Directors from a reporting entity to strategic think-tank, and believes strongly that working collaboratively with local, state, regional and national partners in advancement of mission is critical to its success. During her tenure, Milwaukee Riverkeeper’s annual budget and the staff have both doubled, all while meeting financial and organizational goals.

For the last 8 years, Jennifer has worked to coordinate and push forward a generational opportunity aimed at removing legacy contamination in Milwaukee area waterways called the Area of Concern. She also led a statewide and regional coalition focused on ensuring that the implementation of the Great Lakes Compact is in keeping with sound management principles, conservation mandates, public engagement, best available science and the spirit and intent of the law. A strategic thinker, she worked tirelessly toward the successful removal of the Estabrook Dam, not only saving taxpayer dollars, but also taking a generational opportunity to improve an important area of the Milwaukee River.

Jennifer’s expertise in environmental law has brought her before many governmental agencies, to speak on a variety of environmental and water related matters. Jennifer has been active in environmental, charitable and service organizations since before her undergraduate days and has always strived to be an advocate for the environment. She has an avid interest in many different water activities including swimming, kayaking, canoeing, boating, and water skiing. She wants to see Milwaukee thrive and truly become a water centric and healthy community.

The Person & Planet theme song is an original song by singer/songwriter Barbara Stephan. Click ⁠here ⁠to listen to “Gonna Be There.”

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Person & Planet PodcastBy Stephanie KrubsackApr 22, 2024