Great Swamp Watershed Announces Bill Kibler as its New Executive Director

MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY (January 2, 2025) — The Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) Board of Trustees is thrilled to announce the appointment of Bill Kibler as the new Executive Director effective January 6, 2025.

Kibler brings over 25 years of experience in environmental conservation, most recently serving as Director of Policy at Raritan Headwaters Association. Prior to that, he served as Executive Director of the South Branch Watershed Association From 2005 until Raritan Headwaters Association was created in 2011.

“Bill has a stellar reputation in the environmental non-profit community,” said David Naidu, Board Chair. “His expertise in policy, conservation, and management will be instrumental in guiding the organization into the future.”

A long-time environmental advocate, Kibler has a BS in Environmental Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served as a Corps of Engineers Officer in Alaska where he worked on the clean-up of the Exxon Valdez disaster and in the Persian Gulf War. After graduating from the Syracuse University College of Law, he specialized in environmental, land use, and international law.

“I’m passionate about the mission of the Great Swamp Watershed Association,” stated Kibler.  “GSWA has a storied history as an advocate for the Great Swamp and its communities and I’m excited and incredibly proud to join this talented team.”

Kibler is an avid fly fisher and enjoys kayaking and hiking. He is a long-time volunteer firefighter and EMT and serves his community as chief of the Califon Fire Company.

This news follows an impressive 2024 for GSWA. A highlight of the year in May was the launch of a groundbreaking new initiative, the Climate Change Learning Collaborative, in partnership with Ramapo College through a grant from the Department of Education. GSWA staff conducted extensive research and developed a series of innovative professional development workshops. These teacher education sessions for K-12 educators utilized both swamp, river, and classroom. It was built on GSWA’s water quality and biodiversity-focused mission to equip educators with the knowledge and tools to effectively integrate climate change science and education across all subjects. From August to December, nearly 200 teachers and 200 students throughout northern New Jersey participated in these content-based workshops and field experiences. GSWA is currently planning for an even more impactful second year of the grant.

GSWA would also like to acknowledge the departure of Sally Rubin, who served as Executive Director for the past 17 years, and made the decision to transition. “Sally Rubin leaves a lasting legacy of significant accomplishments such as preserving 155 acres within Great Swamp watershed,” said Naidu. “We thank her for her service for GSWA and wish her well in her future endeavors.”

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About the Great Swamp Watershed Association

For over 40 years, the Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the water resources of the Passaic River region, from the Great Swamp headwaters to Newark Bay, for present and future generations. Through education, advocacy, science, land preservation, and stewardship, in collaboration with partners, we work to instill in our communities an awareness of water’s effect on health and the beauty of the environment, from source to sea. The organization educates over 3,000 school children, monitors over 30 stream locations, and holds approximately 40 public events each year.

For more information about the Great Swamp Watershed Association, visit www.GreatSwamp.org.