When I moved to Davenport, Iowa and saw the Mississippi River, I immediately fell in love with it. As such an integral part of the Quad Cities and the country, I knew that the river deserved more appreciation. In 1984, I founded River Action to do just that. Working with other nonprofit organizations, agencies, and local governments,
River Action strives to advocate for, protect, and restore the Mississippi and its riverfront throughout the Quad Cities region.

I am consistently inspired and encouraged by environmental efforts across the country to find new, innovative ways that help us improve the Quad Cities as an area along one of the largest rivers in the world. We have to take lessons from history and nature to protect our environment and be resilient in the face of climate change.

Over the last forty years, River Action has established numerous education programs, annual community events along the riverfront, public art displays, parks and bike trails, and action-based environmental initiatives. These endeavors positively impact not only the river itself, but the people in our community. The Mississippi does not separate us, but unites us, and that is something to celebrate. It is truly America’s River, and it has been rewarding to dedicate my life to supporting it the way it supports our country.