Staff Biographies

Altamaha Riverkeeper (ARK) Executive Director, Deborah Sheppard, helped establish the organization in 1999 as the 26th Waterkeeper program in the country. Deborah brought ARK an anchor: a Masters Degree in public policy and 25 years of experience in environmental education and advocacy gained as co-founder and Executive Director of Campaign for a Prosperous Georgia, a consumer advocacy group.

In her earlier studies, Deborah studied Horticulture and Natural History at the University of Georgia and became acquainted with the headwaters of the Altamaha watershed through her work at the UGA Botanical Garden and later as Director of Sandy Creek Nature Center.
According to a 1995 Georgia House of Representatives resolution, "Deborah has used her native charm, education, wit, and tenacity to confront environmental problems and to promote pragmatic solutions to those problems." Today she utilizes those same attributes with the Altamaha Riverkeeper to protect Georgia's largest watershed. Thanks to Deborah's hard work, the Altamaha Riverkeeper has developed vocal advocates across the watershed for the protection of Georgia's water resources, making our watershed a better place to live for all of the inhabitants.

Altamaha Riverkeeper, James Holland, is doing what he loves most; working to protect the Altamaha River watershed. In the last six years, James has investigated over 700 sites. By responding to citizen's calls for help throughout the 14,000 square mile watershed, Holland is improving water quality by documenting water pollution with water testing, photographs, and follow up letters to regulatory agencies to stop pollution. In just the last year, he worked in over 20 counties with erosion and sedimentation problems. In his proactive field-based approach, James is finding solutions to enforce environmental laws and influence better local and state water policy.

In the 1990's, James was a commercial crabber but when crab harvests spiraled downward, he learned everything he could through personal research in the biology of fish, crab, oysters, and shrimp. He talked to scientists, biologists, professors, and fishermen to learn about water pollution and its affect on marine life and habitat.

James had never thought of himself as a conservationist but he wanted to protect the watershed and its inhabitants. In 1999, he became a founding member and Riverkeeper of the Altamaha Riverkeeper. He cultivates stewards for a healthy watershed by sharing his work in hundreds of presentations to clubs, schools, and local governments.

James' progress with water quality is receiving national and state recognition. Accolades include the "2005 River Conservationist of the Year Award" from Georgia River Network and the 2005 "Citizen Hero Award" for effective use of Georgia's Open Record Laws from the Georgia First Amendment Foundation.