Ron Ohrel grew up exploring the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Those early experiences formed the foundation for his academic and professional career.

Having worked for environmental nonprofits, academia, government consulting firms, and now the dairy industry, Ron has extensive experience with environmental issues in the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast. Throughout his career, he has partnered with public and private organizations to effect positive environmental change in areas of agriculture, water quality, climate resilience, and endangered species. In addition, he has led teams responsible for increasing stakeholder understanding of complex scientific information.

Today he serves as director of environmental outreach with American Dairy Association North East. His position includes facilitating collaboration between dairy farmers and the environmental community to tackle water quality and climate resilience challenges.

Though a resident of Maryland, Ron’s current position has him engaging with environmental organizations in five states. His relationship with Genesee RiverWatch first began in 2018, formed by shared interests in water quality and agriculture. Over the subsequent years, he has come to greatly appreciate Genesee RiverWatch’s work to support the river and its communities—environmentally, recreationally, and economically.

Ron has a bachelor’s degree in marine science from Coastal Carolina University and a master’s degree in environmental management from Duke University.