Ohio River Way Welcomes Molly Williams as Deputy Director
Contact:
Forest Clevenger, Executive Director, Ohio River Way
forest@ohioriverway.org
(502) 777-5314
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2026
CINCINNATI, OH (January 12, 2026) — Ohio River Way is pleased to announce the hiring of Molly Williams as its new Deputy Director, effective February 9, 2026. The new position marks a significant milestone in the organization’s continued growth and capacity to support recreation-based economies throughout Ohio River towns.
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.
In addition to her academic and operational experience, Molly has played leadership roles across the region, including work with the America’s River Roots Festival and service to the Ohio River Basin Alliance (ORBA). She will continue supporting ORBA in an advisory capacity alongside her role at the Ohio River Way.
“This hire represents an important step forward for the Ohio River Way,” said Forest Clevenger, Executive Director of the Ohio River Way. “Molly’s experience, leadership, and deep understanding of the river will help ensure strong internal operations as we continue expanding our work to support trails, paddling, and economic development in river towns up and down the 308-mile corridor.”
Molly is an avid swimmer in the Ohio River and is especially excited to help grow adventure tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the region.
“I’ve long admired the Ohio River Way for its mission, efficiency, and wide-reaching impact,” said Molly. “I’m thrilled to join the team and look forward to promoting recreation, strengthening local economies, and expanding tourism along the river I hold so dearly.”
As Deputy Director, Molly will play a key role in supporting organizational growth, strengthening partnerships, and advancing the Ohio River Way’s mission to connect people, places, and experiences along the river.
About the Ohio River Way
The Ohio River Way is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and economic development along the Ohio River. Through its commitment to on-the-ground and on-the-water community engagement, the organization fosters regional collaboration and encourages individuals to explore and appreciate one of the country’s most historic waterways.