Mo Drinkard, PhD

Mo Drinkard is a mission-driven nonprofit leader, scholar, and scientist whose work lives at the confluence of community, conservation, and education. As Executive Director of the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership, she leads efforts to protect and restore one of Cleveland’s most historically significant urban waterways, connecting people to place through restoration projects, citizen science, and grassroots advocacy.

With more than 20 years of experience across academia, government, and nonprofit sectors, Mo brings strategic vision, a data-informed mindset, and muddy-boots practicality to the work of watershed restoration. Since stepping into the role, she has expanded educational programming, launched a community science monitoring initiative, and pursued critical funding for innovative efforts like Climate Resilience Hubs and live-stake restoration events.

Mo is passionate about building resilient organizations and resilient ecosystems. Her leadership has helped DBWP become a trusted regional hub for environmental justice, climate adaptation, and equitable engagement, fostering deep partnerships with local governments, residents, and volunteer groups across the watershed.

When she’s not writing grants or knee-deep in a stormwater project, you’ll find her growing native plants, fermenting wild things, or geeking out over benthic macroinvertebrates. She believes that science belongs to everyone, and that thriving communities start with healthy, cared-for places.