To ensure members and stakeholders from all basin states are collaborating and are able to discuss state specific issues and threats, the Coalition created the State Lead initiative. Each State Lead is responsible for convening and organizing work around Coalition priorities, while also looking for emerging issues that may need Coalition support. State Leads work to ensure that Coalition members are knowledgeable about basin issues and engage with the larger membership to help solve them.
New york
Molly Oliver, Friends of the Upper Delaware River, Executive Director
Molly Oliver is the Executive Director of Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR), a role she stepped into in 2025 after serving as the organization’s Policy Director since 2018. A Delaware County native, Molly grew up exploring the West Branch watershed, where summers spent catching crayfish and playing in local streams inspired her lifelong commitment to river conservation. She earned a degree in Landscape Architecture and returned home in 2013 to work for Delaware County’s Planning Department and Watershed Affairs. At FUDR, Molly has been a driving force in advancing restoration projects, community partnerships, and policy initiatives that protect the Upper Delaware River system. She is proud to lead FUDR in its mission to safeguard the river’s health for future generations.
Email: molly@fudr.org.
Sherri Resti Thomas, Friends of the Upper Delaware River, Deputy Director
Sherri serves as Deputy Director for FUDR based in Hancock, NY. Sherri has been employed by FUDR for 11 years and has played a key leadership role in the growth and evolution of the organization. Sherri is the primary organizer of FUDR’s signature “One Bug” fly fishing event that kicks off the spring fishing season each year on the Upper Delaware River and the organization’s largest fundraiser.
Sherri helps direct numerous conservation programs at FUDR including stream restoration projects, national and state funding campaigns, local and regional coalition efforts, and FUDR’s annual fly fishing summer camp for kids. When she can pry herself away from her FUDR duties, Sherri enjoys spending time paddle boarding and kayaking on the Upper Delaware River with her husband Rich near their home on the UDR West Branch in Starlight, PA.
Email: sherri@fudr.org.
delaware
Mark Nardone, Delaware Nature Society, Director of Advocacy
Robin joined the Delaware Nature Society in 2022 as the Mark Nardone is a lifelong Delawarean who has more years of experience in media and communications than he cares to admit. As Director of Advocacy, he collaborates with other conservation organizations and local communities to ensure that public policy and legislation works to protect the environmental and the health and welfare of all.
He lives in Wilmington with his wife and two sons. In his free time, Mark enjoys Scouting America, swimming in the ocean, walking in the woods, camping, fishing, and snow sports with his family. If he has a minute on his own, he likely has his nose in a book.
Email: mark.nardone@delawarenaturesociety.org
pennsylvania
Wren Ganey, PennFuture, Advocacy Manager
Wren Ganey serves as Advocacy Manager, where she leads strategic coalition-building and legislative advocacy efforts to advance environmental policy. Based in Philadelphia, Wren manages PennFuture-led coalitions focused on issues such as clean water and sustainable development, and supports PennFuture’s legislative activities by developing policy content, tracking legislation, and facilitating direct lobbying efforts. Collaborating closely with the Government Affairs and Civic Engagement teams, Wren helps drive environmental priorities in Philadelphia and at the state level.
Email: ganey@pennfuture.org
New Jersey
As the Policy Assistant at New Jersey LCV, Jay Weisbond focuses on researching state-level policy relating to the environment, public health, and voting rights. He supports the Keep it Green Coalition and the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, manages relationships with elected officials, and assists in developing environmental policy priorities that center on racial justice and equity. Additionally, Jay tracks legislation in Trenton, organizes meetings with key individuals, and represents New Jersey LCV at various public events.
Jay graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University in 2022. Inspired by his passion for social justice and policy research, he pursued a Master’s degree in Political Science with a focus on United Nations and Global Policy Studies from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, graduating in 2024.
His previous experience includes interning for New Jersey Assemblyman Sterley Stanley and serving as a Policy and Outreach Intern at New Jersey LCV, where he conducted policy research, organized meetings, and represented the organization at various events.
Jay chose to work at New Jersey LCV because of its leadership in advancing environmental legislation, its strong communication with lawmakers and nonprofits, and the organization’s commitment to environmental justice. He appreciates the organization’s impressive record and supportive team, sharing a passion for combating climate change and protecting natural resources.
email: jay.weisbond@njlcv.org