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Bill Street, President & CEO James River Association; "The State of the James"

Bill Street is President and CEO of the James River Association (JRA). Prior to serving as CEO of the James River Association, Bill worked for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, as well as an environmental consulting firm, Malcolm Pirnie, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Duke University Wetland Center, and the Institute for Environmental Negotiation at the University of Virginia. He holds degrees in Commerce and Urban and Environmental Planning from Virginia and Environmental Management from Duke.

Established in 1976, the JRA plays a critical role in ensuring the health of the James River. With a team of over 50 dedicated staff and a network of more than 10,000 members, they’ve made remarkable strides in improving the river’s condition.

Under Street’s leadership, the JRA concentrates on several key areas. Habitat restoration involves planting trees, removing invasive species, creating wetlands to support fish and wildlife.  The living shorelines program has restored over 320 acres and planted over 100,000 trees in the last five years

Research through comprehensive studies help the team understand the river’s ecology, its threats, and formulate effective conservation strategies. Their advocacy for clean water standards and collaboration with governmental and industrial bodies to reduce pollution has resulted in the allocation of over $2.7 billion to clean water programs.

JRA has developed an environmental education program that has reached nearly 50,000 students over the last five years. Their “Game Changer” campaign aims to strengthen existing programs, initiate restoration projects, and establish new educational facilities.

Due to JRA efforts, the James River now boasts healthier wildlife populations, improved water quality, and is steadily transforming into a vibrant resource for future generations.