Brandywine River Restoration Trust (BRRT) is pleased to announce the hiring of well-known community leader, Jenn Parrish, as the nonprofit’s Program Manager.
Jenn is known for her public service as the Founder and Executive Director of Delaware Angels Inc., and her advocacy with numerous nonprofits including the American Heart Association, Turn the Towns Teal, and Action for Delaware’s Children. She comes to BRRT with knowledge and experience in many areas, including environmental service in the State of Delaware.
“I’m excited about BRRT’s mission to restore the Brandywine River and educate the community and future generations about its unique and fragile ecosystem,” said Parrish. “I look forward to serving my community in this new capacity with an amazing team!”
Her past work as Legislative Aide to Delaware’s Senate Environment & Energy Committee Chair, Sen. Stephanie Hansen includes managing the Senator’s many projects, legislation, and all aspects of the office. Jenn saw countless number of projects from concept to execution. She was instrumental in the development of what would later be SB 22; where she compiled data on native, non-native, and invasive plant species sold in Delaware for the Ecological Extinction Task Force.
Notably, she was also the Senate Volunteer Committee Chair and lead many initiatives that benefited communities throughout Delaware, including community cleanups and humanitarian work. Parrish’s experience also includes work with Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, staffing the Delaware Family Law Commission, an office assistant at the University of Delaware’s College of Nursing, and a substitute teacher.
“Jenn’s experience in working with the community to manage all sorts of projects combined with her commitment to our mission makes her a perfect fit for our organization”, said BRRT Executive Director Jim Shanahan. “We are fortunate to have her on our team.”
Founded in 2017, BRRT’s primary mission is to enable the annual migration of American Shad by removing or modifying 11 dams on the Brandywine River. Parrish oversees and manages the organization’s special projects. As program manager she is also charged with tracking all aspects of the organization including long-term effectiveness and benefits of implemented programs. She is ultimately charged with supporting BRRT’s broad mission of improving water quality, reducing damage from flooding, and providing equitable opportunities for environmental education and recreation.
Aside from community and volunteerism, her biggest passion is her large family of seven. Parrish resides in Middletown with her husband, Mark, their five children, and large guinea pig. Her youngest are twins born in May of 2021. One suffers from congenital heart disease which led to the family’s advocacy with the American Heart Association. All family members are community and environmentally oriented. Together, they enjoy time outdoors and visiting museums and historical sites.
About Brandywine River Restoration Trust
A non-profit organization instrumental in enlisting a broad coalition of partners working together to remove 11 dams no longer in use, to allow shad and other fish to migrate in the Delaware portion of the lower Brandywine.
In addition, goals indirectly related to restoring shad migration — such as ecological improvements, stream beautification, natural resource utilization, long-range maintenance and sustainability — could be realized simultaneously.