Lisa Rinaman, who has led St. Johns Riverkeeper for 14 years, will step down in spring 2027 to run for Jacksonville City Council District 7. The nonprofit is now accepting applications for her replacement.

The organization announced the transition over the summer, saying the riverkeeper role requires a full-time commitment to defending the St. Johns River. Its board of directors formed a search committee, and the Jax Daily Record reported Sept. 10 that the application process is open.

Search Committee Outlines Qualifications for New Leader

The riverkeeper is the organization's top leadership position, overseeing what the nonprofit calls its "issue-based advocacy programs." Candidates will need expertise in communication, environmental science and policy and planning, according to the news release.

How to Apply for the Position

The search has no fixed deadline. Applicants can send a PDF resume and letter of intent to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until a new riverkeeper is selected.

Executive Director Jimmy Orth said the nonprofit is grateful for Rinaman's work and confident the organization will find a strong successor. When St. Johns Riverkeeper marked its 25th anniversary in 2025, Orth described the scope of the mission she helped build: "For 25 years, St. Johns Riverkeeper has served as a voice and advocate for our river and the communities that benefit from this important waterway."

Rinaman's 14 Years of Advocacy and Wins

Rinaman reshaped the organization during her tenure. St. Johns Riverkeeper expanded its team into the Upper and Middle St. Johns River Basins, became a founding member of Waterkeepers Florida and launched the SAVe Our River's Grasses Expedition. The organization also won a court ruling that blocked Florida from taking over wetlands permitting, restoring the more protective federal program. This year, it celebrated a legislative win with the passage of a 2028 ban on the land disposal of Class B biosolids, commonly known as sewage sludge.

Local Impact Includes Mandarin Cleanups, Trips

The nonprofit's work touches Mandarin directly. Volunteers have cleaned up Mandarin Park along Julington Creek, where the creek flows into the St. Johns River. In 2025, the organization led 79 student boat trips, including 36 free field trips for Title I schools, and championed the third annual Great St. Johns River Cleanup, during which 1,369 volunteers removed trash from 80 sites across the watershed.

Programs to Continue Through Transition

The organization said its programs will continue without interruption. Rinaman will serve until spring 2027.