Feb. 23, 2026: As the new Director of Administration and Outreach, Amanda James is filling out the vital third and fourth roles of Apalachicola Riverkeeper’s staff. She has been learning administrative duties from Susan Macken, who retired after eleven years. And Doug Alderson and others have been providing valuable outreach knowledge. Now, just two months into the job, she is seeing firsthand “how this organization goes above and beyond in every way.”
“The past few weeks have been nothing short of transformative,” she says. “Every day feels like a new adventure—a fresh chapter in my deep admiration for the legacy left by our former Admin and Outreach Directors. While their impact is truly irreplaceable, my goal is to honor that foundation while beginning to sprinkle my own ‘magic’ into the mix. There is such a wealth of knowledge within Apalachicola Riverkeeper’s mission. From the intricate ecology of the Bay to the tireless advocacy for our waters, I find myself flowing right alongside our programs. If I’m honest, my biggest challenge so far has been simply absorbing the sheer volume of brilliance this team shares daily! It’s a lot to take in, but the pieces of the puzzle are clicking together beautifully.”
After arriving in Franklin County from Colorado in 2021, trading snow and cold for sunshine, coastal waters, and a strong connection to the natural world, Amanda quickly discovered that the Gulf and Apalachicola Bay offer remarkable opportunities for learning, growth, and stewardship.
“I feel incredibly blessed to be part of a team so dedicated to the health of our river and community,” she said. “I am still learning, still growing, and more excited than ever to see what we can accomplish together.”