forest@ohioriverway.org

Forest is an avid paddler and cyclist dedicated to promoting holistic wellbeing for individuals, communities, and the environment through outdoor adventure. He joined the Ohio River Way team in 2023 after serving on political campaigns, including for Congressman Morgan McGarvey, and leading programming at summer camps serving youth from 41 countries. Moved by the death of a family friend, Forest led a volunteer campaign that spurred a now-annual mental health screening for 50,000 teens in Jefferson County Public Schools. He earned a BS in Political Science from the University of Louisville, studied at the University of Oxford, and has an MSc with Distinction in Behavioral Science & Wellbeing from the London School of Economics. Forest is certified as an American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard and a NOLS Wilderness First Responder.

molly@ohioriverway.org
Originally from Michigan, Molly brings a strong academic and professional foundation in freshwater science, education, and organizational leadership. She studied biology at Hillsdale College, where she conducted and published peer-reviewed undergraduate research in the Journal of Freshwater Ecology. Molly joins the Ohio River Way from Thomas More University, where she served as Manager of the Ohio River Biology Field Station. In that role, she managed STEM outreach programs, coordinated laboratory research, and supported the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Field Station. Her leadership also extended beyond the campus, including organizing Ohio River Basin advocacy days on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, managing teams of onsite summer interns, and leading successful public-facing fundraisers and events—most notably the Field Station’s “Raisin’ Hellbenders on the River” concert.

jessica@ohioriverway.org

Jessica has over a decade of writing experience. She graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a Master's in English and is a board member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. She’s a freelance journalist writing on topics about nature, outdoor recreation, and conservation. Jessica loves to hike and take road trips along the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Her favorite place to sit and enjoy the Ohio River is at Fernbank Park on the west side of Cincinnati.

fmennone@fbtlaw.com

A seasoned leader with rich experience managing organizational stakeholders, Frances is recognized for strategically building ideas and developments of significance. She has a reputation for solving problems for large-scale projects that are challenging and complex and that involve numerous, often competing interests. She works tirelessly at building relationships and connecting project partners with the right entities to ensure success. Her passion runs deep and defines the way she approaches every project.

sophie@ohioriverway.org

Sophie is passionate about conservation and adventure along the Ohio River Way and enjoys working behind the scenes to help make that happen. She recently graduated with a Master’s in International Commerce and Diplomacy from the University of Kentucky. She grew up in Louisville, KY boating and swimming in the Ohio River with goals of swimming an open water race on the Ohio one day. While she grew up in Louisville, her favorite spot to sit and watch the Ohio River was along the waterway in Madison, IN.

mary@ohioriverway.org

Mary grew up in Cincinnati and is passionate about creating meaningful outdoor experiences that inspire curiosity and environmental stewardship. She studied Natural Resource Management at The Ohio State University and led adventure trips across the U.S. through the university’s Outdoor Adventure Center, where she became Wilderness First Responder certified. Her work as a camp counselor at The Wilds solidified her love for outdoor learning and helping others connect with nature. Mary joined the Ohio River Way team in 2025 to coordinate the annual Ohio River Way Challenge and now leads engaging outdoor adventures and community programs along the National Water Trail. You can usually find Mary near the water—whether she’s paddling the Ohio, swimming, boating, scuba diving, or deep water soloing.