December 23, 2025: When Apalachicola Riverkeeper Cameron Baxley says this about long-time Administrative Director Susan Macken, you know Susan will be missed: “Susan has been my work security blanket and my personal force field—comforting when things get tough and fierce when they need to be. Truly the best coworker I could ask for. I’m endlessly thankful for her.”
After a dozen years with Apalachicola Riverkeeper, Susan will be retiring at the end of January. “It has truly been an honor to work alongside so many of you during my years with Apalachicola Riverkeeper,” she said. “Although I’m winding down my time (and leaving the organization in VERY capable hands), you’ll continue to see me volunteering for various events. I wish each of you nothing but the best in 2026 and beyond. May we each continue to be the light we wish to see in the world.”
Accolades for Susan and her work are many, such as these words from former Riverkeeper Dan Tonsmeire: “If someone could dream up an extraordinarily bright, friendly, efficient, charming, persistent, determined office/business manager with a great memory and eye for details for an organization, Susan Macken would be her. Ask AI, and I’m sure it would tell you the same thing and admit that it couldn’t replace her.”
Former Apalachicola Riverkeeper and Executive Director Georgia Ackerman added, “It turned out quite fortunate for Apalachicola Riverkeeper that the mightily talented Susan Macken moved to Apalachicola, after retiring from her career as educator and administrator. During her tenure as Administrative Director for Apalachicola Riverkeeper (ARK), Susan earned a list of nicknames. My favorites include, ‘The Glue,’ due to Susan’s ability to seamlessly hold so many projects and tasks together simultaneously. She was also a star ‘Pinch Hitter,’ stepping up the plate for the team on countless occasions. I could write a lengthy list of examples where Susan saved the day. Her work style is steadfast and unflappable. Susan’s good humor, kind heart and infinite patience are gifts she brought to her role at Apalachicola Riverkeeper every day. I feel lucky to have worked with her.”
Apalachicola resident Amanda James will be filling Susan’s large shoes and learning by her side until she leaves.
