Mitzi Johnson Named Director of NEIWPCC’s Lake Champlain Programs Division

Grand Isle, VT – NEIWPCC has named Mitzi Johnson as director of its Lake Champlain Programs Division and Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program, effective October 13. Johnson brings more than two decades of public service, nonprofit leadership, and organizational strategy experience to the role.

In these roles, Johnson will lead efforts to meet the challenges facing the Lake Champlain Basin through partnerships, science, and collaborative environmental management.

During her 18-year tenure in the Vermont House of Representatives, Johnson served as Speaker of the House from 2017-2021 and held leadership positions on the House committees on agriculture and appropriations, building a strong background in water quality policy.

Her career also includes extensive experience in consulting nonprofit organizations, research and educational institutions, and elected officials on leadership, management, and complex problem solving. Most recently she served as a senior leadership and strategy consultant and executive coach with KS Insight. Johnson previously served as executive director of the Adaptive Leadership Network and directed the Beacons of Democracy Project at the State Legislative Leaders Foundation. She currently chairs the board of directors of the Vermont Food Bank and serves on the board of directors of the South Hero Land Trust.

Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Vermont and a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University.

“It’s a privilege to help protect and restore this tremendous natural resource that provides inspiration, rejuvenation, and sustenance for so many people in the region and beyond,” said Johnson. “I look forward to working with the fantastic staff and many dedicated partners to advance clean water, healthy ecosystems, thriving communities, and an informed and involved public in the Lake Champlain Basin.”

“We are delighted to welcome Mitzi to NEIWPCC’s Lake Champlain Programs team,” said Susan Sullivan, NEIWPCC Executive Director. “Her extensive leadership and management experience and history of crafting practical and impactful water quality policy will drive real improvements to the health of Lake Champlain and its watershed.”

“The challenges facing Lake Champlain require collaboration across state and national borders, communities, and organizations,” said Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore, co-chair of the Lake Champlain Steering Committee. “Mitzi understands the importance of bringing people together to tackle complex issues, and her experience in public service and water quality policy will be valuable as we continue working to protect and improve the lake and its watershed.”

DEC Region 5 Regional Director Joe Zalewski said, “DEC is thrilled to welcome Mitzi Johnson to her new role at NEIWPCC. The Lake Champlain Basin Program brings together New York, Vermont, and Québec’s local, state, and federal agencies along with a multitude of watershed partners to support the basin and the plants, animals, and people that rely on it. Mitzi has a demonstrated commitment to Lake Champlain, and we look forward to fostering this new relationship while continuing to support the work of the Lake Champlain Basin Program.”

“Québec’s cooperation with Vermont and New York on Lake Champlain has been a longstanding and valued partnership, reflecting our shared commitment to protecting the health of this common watershed for 38 years, said Ministry of the Environment, Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks Regional Director Stefanos Bitzakidis. “At the heart of this collaboration is the Lake Champlain Basin Program, whose staff and leadership have consistently helped guide our collective efforts. I look forward to working with Mitzi to build on this strong tradition of cooperation and safeguard Lake Champlain for future generations.”

“Developing partnerships among stakeholders, ensuring clean water access, and maintaining a thriving ecosystem for communities living across the Basin are core aspects the of Lake Champlain Basin Program,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator Mark Sanborn. “Mitzi brings the necessary expertise and a wealth of experience that will be vital to the continued success of the Program’s mission.”

“EPA is excited to welcome our newest partner, Mitzi Johnson, as the new Director of the Lake Champlain Programs Division,” said Region 2 Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “We are hitting the ground running as EPA Region 2’s Water Division Director Javier Laureano already met with Mitzi at the recent LCBP Steering Committee meeting. EPA Region 2 looks forward to continuing to develop this important relationship as LCBP moves forward towards its goal of environmental restoration for the lake.”

-end-

The Lake Champlain Basin Program coordinates and funds efforts that benefit the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources. The program works in partnership with federal agencies, state and provincial agencies from New York, Vermont, and Québec, local communities, businesses, and citizen groups. NEIWPCC—a regional commission that helps the states of the Northeast preserve and advance water quality—serves as the primary program administrator of LCBP at the request of the Lake Champlain Steering Committee and administers the program’s personnel, finances, and contracts. NEIWPCC is a program partner of LCBP. For further information, contact the Lake Champlain Basin Program, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, VT at (802) 372-3213 / (800) 468-5227 or visit https://www.lcbp.org/.