Ipswich River Welcomes New President

Susie Winthrop (center) is a long-time advocate for the Ipswich River. In 2014, she and fellow volunteers prepared granite blocks representing those in the S. Middleton Dam. The founding members of the Free our Rivers & Streams Campaign purchased the blocks at auction, raising $9,000 for a free flowing Ipswich River. (Left to right: Mary Landry, Marilyne Jarre, Susie Winthrop, Chris Sandulli, and Lynne Holton)

Susie Winthrop of Ipswich was recently elected as Board President for the Ipswich River Watershed Association at their 43rd annual meeting. 

An avid outdoorswoman who enjoys tubing, canoeing, and kayaking on the river, Susie and her husband Fred live along the river where “We enjoy daily walks along the shores of the river and love to see the herons, wood ducks, redwing blackbirds, turtles and beavers-all enjoying the river as much as we do!” Of her new role for the river, Susie says, “It is with humility and excitement that I have agreed to take on the role as president of the board of the Ipswich River Watershed Association. I would not have considered doing so were it not for our smart, hardworking board members and the amazing staff which together drive this organization forward. It is for them and for the river itself that I pledge to do the best job I can.”

Executive Director Wayne Castonguay says, “I could not be more pleased to have Susie become our next President. Susie really loves the river and possesses all the qualities anyone could ever want in a leader; plus she is super enthusiastic, friendly and caring which will make her both a wonderful advocate for the organization and a pleasure to work with. I would also like to pass along my deepest appreciation to outgoing President Dick Jacobson who oversaw a period of significant growth, impact and success of the organization for which we will be forever grateful.” 

Taking over from Richard (Dick) Jacobson who completed a 6-year term as President, Susie comes to the role with a wealth of experience in not for profit work and education. Susie has a M.Edu from Boston University and spent her professional career as a teacher both abroad at the International School in Thailand and locally at the Montserrat College of Art. Susie has served on several area Boards, including at the Pingree School and the Ipswich Garden Club, and worked with the Trustees of Reservations for years, serving as the Chair of the local Appleton Farms Committee where she oversaw the renewal of the farm. 

Ipswich River’s board consists of 16 members, including new board member Lauren Fitzgerald of Topsfield and the newly elected officers; Vice President Ken MacNulty of Lynnfield, Vice President Suzanne Sullivan of Wilmington and Secretary Dave Comb of Manchester.

Thank you to the many members and volunteers who joined us last night for our Riverside Update & Annual Meeting. A video of Wayne’s presentation will be available soon.