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Midwest Biodiversity Institute

Help Shape the Future of Ohio’s Waters: MBI Seeks New Board Members

Do you care about clean water, healthy streams, and the science needed to protect them? Are you experienced or just plain interested in non-profit organization governance? Midwest Biodiversity Institute (MBI) is looking for people who want to help shape the future of water quality and aquatic conservation.
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5 Minute Read

Last Updated: Nov 3rd, 2026

Article Author

Trent Dougherty

For nearly 30 years, MBI has worked to protect and restore the quality and biological integrity of freshwater environments through science-based research, education, and policy development. Our work helps communities, agencies, conservation organizations, and other decision-makers better understand the condition of their waters and identify practical ways to protect and restore them.

We are seeking new members to join MBI’s Non-Profit Board of Directors and help guide the organization as it enters its next chapter.

Why serve on the MBI Board?

MBI’s work is focused on science, conservation, and protective public policy. Our board members play an important role in ensuring that MBI remains strong, independent, effective, and focused on its mission.

Board service is an opportunity to:

  • Help shape the long-term direction and priorities of an established water-quality organization.
  • Provide strategic guidance and perspective to MBI’s Executive Director and staff.
  • Support efforts to protect and restore Ohio’s streams, rivers, and other freshwater resources.
  • Help connect MBI with communities, conservation partners, funders, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
  • Contribute to fundraising and organizational development.
  • Help recruit and cultivate future leaders for MBI.
  • Serve as an ambassador for science-based approaches to protecting our waters.

Who are we looking for?

You do not need to be a scientist or aquatic ecologist to serve on MBI’s board. We are looking for engaged, thoughtful leaders who care about MBI’s mission and are willing to contribute their time, experience, ideas, and connections.

MBI is especially interested in candidates who bring knowledge or experience in areas such as:

  • Water quality, environmental science, conservation, or natural resources
  • Public policy, environmental law, or government relations
  • Nonprofit governance and organizational leadership
  • Fundraising, philanthropy, or development
  • Finance, accounting, or business management
  • Communications, marketing, or community engagement
  • Strategic planning and organizational development
  • Community leadership or experience working with diverse stakeholders

Just as importantly, we want people who bring different perspectives and experiences to the table. A strong board should reflect the communities and interests that MBI serves and should be willing to ask good questions, challenge assumptions, and think creatively about the future.

What does a board member do?

As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, MBI relies on its board for insight, foresight, and oversight. The board provides governance and strategic leadership, while the Executive Director manages day-to-day operations. Board members hire and support the Executive Director, oversee finances and major business decisions, advance MBI’s strategic plan, and offer advice and connections.

Board members are expected to stay informed about MBI’s work, participate in quarterly board meetings, assist with board recruitment and fundraising, and represent MBI as ambassadors for its mission.

Perhaps most importantly, board members become part of a group of people committed to ensuring that good science continues to inform the decisions that affect our waters.

Your perspective can make a difference

The challenges facing freshwater resources are complex. Protecting healthy streams and restoring degraded waters requires sound science, effective policy, strong partnerships, engaged communities, and organizations with the capacity to turn knowledge into action.

MBI brings decades of scientific and technical expertise to that work. Our board helps provide the leadership, perspective, and support needed to make that expertise count.

If you care about the future of Ohio’s waters and are interested in helping MBI continue—and expand—its work, we encourage you to consider applying to serve on our Board of Directors.

You don't have to be a water-quality expert. You just need to care about the mission, be willing to engage, and have something to contribute.

Interested in learning more or applying? Contact MBI Executive Director Trent Dougherty, at tdougherty@mwbinst.com, to start a conversation about board service.