Danielle Dolan

Deputy Director, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance

Danielle V. Dolan joined Massachusetts Rivers Alliance as Deputy Director in January 2022. Danielle’s 17 years of experience in the environmental education, engagement, and advocacy sector (the greater half in water policy) span four states in vastly different regions of the country, providing her insight into a broad range of watershed protection and governance contexts Danielle has built programs from the ground up – establishing mission and vision, designing projects, assembling collaborative teams, and effectively implementing initiatives. Examples include indigenous-led train-the-trainer ecosystem restoration projects in Hawai’i, starting the first Earth Force program in Hillsborough County, FL; creating St. Johns Riverkeeper’s first education program; and establishing the Local Government Commission as a critical partner in the California water sector. She has a track record of effectively mobilizing, connecting, and deepening partnerships to engage on statewide water policy initiatives, advance watershed planning, and implement water resilience projects at the local level. In Florida, she helped achieve a Mayor’s proclamation to prevent runoff into local waterways and halted a state permit for additional water withdrawals. In California, where she served on or facilitated multiple state advisory boards and coalitions, she has broadened access to state funding and technical assistance for tribal and other marginalized communities to support clean water and functioning ecosystems for the future needs of wildlife, people, and a growing economy. She has helped draft state groundwater regulations and legislative bill language for multi-benefit land repurposing, in addition to providing public testimony and comment letters - both support and opposition - on countless legislative initiatives. Danielle earned her Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies from Hawai’i Pacific University and her Master’s in Community Development, with an emphasis in Water Policy and Water Management, from University of California, Davis. She is also a certified science teacher and Master Naturalist. Her diverse experience brings a cross-cultural awareness to all her work, and lays the foundation for a deep professional and personal commitment to the interconnected issues of equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental justice. This passion aligns perfectly with Mass Rivers’ vision of clean water for future generations, clean rivers that support a growing economy, and healthy rivers for healthy communities. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Danielle has always been drawn to the water - both rivers and oceans. In her spare time, she loves to surf, camp, and hike; but she enjoys all outdoor activities, including snowboarding and kayaking. Returning after many years away, she is excited to introduce her two daughters to the natural landscapes of her youth, and is eager to dive into protecting and restoring the streams and rivers of her home state.