Brandon Baird
Development Associate

When I moved to the nation’s capital, I carried with me (as all North Carolinians do) a deep sense of pride in my home state. I now know this was less about state lines and more about a watershed — the French Broad Watershed. It was there that I came to understand the importance of a healthy watershed to a connected community. 

Growing up in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, I never worried about water quality. I never thought twice about my drinking water or swimming in a clear mountain river, stream, or waterfall.

It wasn’t until college that I began to understand the importance of watersheds in the development of civilizations, the spread of ideas, and the creation of equitable communities. Water not only gives life, but it also naturally builds communities. 

I now look back at the French Broad Watershed with pride and healthy concern for development as people and businesses move in to experience the beauty of the region. 

Although larger in scale, we face similar challenges with the lands and waters I now call home.

The Potomac has nourished its communities for centuries and witnessed the history of our nation, and we have not always acted in ways that sustain and keep it healthy. But there are many who have not forgotten that our river is the root of a healthy, prosperous region. We know that staying connected to a river keeps you connected to those in your community.

Throughout my education and career, I have maintained a deep commitment to issues of equality and social justice. As a resident of DC and by extension, the Potomac Watershed, a commitment to clean water for the residents our region is now the natural expression of my passion for equality and justice.

We can do better for the Nation’s River and the six million people that it connects. I am excited to join a team at Potomac Conservancy that is already leading the clean water movement in the capital region. 

See you on the river,
Brandon 

Joining our team in May 2015 as our Development Associate, Brandon assists the Development Team in a number of capacities, including as the liaison to the Board of Directors. 

Learn more about Brandon's background and meet your Clean Water Team by visiting Your Advocates >

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