Photo Credit: Tony V. Martin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
1/26/2024 
Contact:  Linden Mueller | linden@greatriverslaw.org | (314)231-4181x.5 

On January 22, 2024, Great Rivers Environmental Law Center welcomed Natalie Johnson as Executive Director. With more than 15 years of expertise in conservation, advocacy, and community outreach initiatives, Johnson joins the current team at the Law Center, which includes Bruce Morrison, who remains on staff as General Counsel.  

“Natalie brings abilities that will allow us to serve more communities throughout the region,” said Bruce Morrison, General Counsel. “I look forward to working with Natalie in the years to come.” 

After a decade dedicated to safeguarding the Indiana dunes and Lake Michigan in Northwest Indiana, Johnson has recently returned to the St. Louis area. Notably, she served as the Executive Director of the longstanding environmental advocacy nonprofit, Save the Dunes. During her tenure, her commitment to protecting people’s right to access the Lake Michigan shoreline earned her recognition as the Up & Coming Influential Woman of 2019 in Tourism by the Northwest Indiana Influential Women’s Association. In 2020, she was further acknowledged as one of Northwest Indiana’s 20 Under 40 for her exceptional leadership in the nonprofit sector. 

Throughout her professional journey, Johnson has consistently championed environmental causes and community empowerment. Her advocacy and outreach efforts have encompassed engaging with legislators both locally and in D.C., spearheading coalitions focused on enhancing water quality and access, delivering speeches at diverse events, conducting community workshops, and assisting organizations in enhancing their capacity and impact. In her most recent role, Johnson served as Advancement Associate for the Central Region at the Sierra Club, where she supported over 10 states in devising and executing advancement strategies. These strategies aimed to cultivate relationships, connect individuals with environmental initiatives, and contribute to building a more sustainable future for Sierra Club’s work. 

“I am honored to take on the role as Great Rivers Environmental Law Center’s Executive Director and to work with a team of skilled and dedicated individuals in safeguarding the people and natural environment of Missouri,” Johnson expressed. “Great Rivers is renowned for its legal achievements, dedication to environmental justice, and proactive approach to environmental issues. Being part of such an impactful organization is truly exhilarating.” 

Since 2002, the Law Center has served Missouri and Southern Illinois, providing free and low-cost legal services to individuals, organizations, and citizen groups who are working to protect the environment and public health. Building on previous experience, Johnson will oversee aspects of the Center’s operations including staff leadership, program direction, strategic planning, fundraising, fiscal management, marketing and community outreach. She joins the team at an exciting time of growth as the Law Center seeks to increase its presence across the region and take more precedent-setting cases to protect human and environmental health. The center will also increase its legal staff this year. 

“As Great Rivers Environmental Law Center embarks on its third decade of service to Missouri and Southern Illinois, the need for environmental protection has never been more pronounced,” shared Kathleen Henry, former Law Center President. “We enthusiastically welcome Natalie and are eager for her leadership as we work to enhance our efforts in preserving our irreplaceable natural resources and safeguarding the health of our communities.” 

Great Rivers Environmental Law Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 environmental law center providing free and low-cost services to protect the environment and public health. Great Rivers works to promote the public health by encouraging cleaner energy, improved environmental performance by businesses, and more efficient transportation and land use, thereby achieving cleaner air and water, and improving the quality of life in the region. Learn more at www.greatriverslaw.org.