Marc Yaggi

Chief Executive Officer

Since 9/16/2005

Marc Yaggi is the Chief Executive Officer of Waterkeeper Alliance, serving as a leading voice for a global movement dedicated to securing clean, healthy, and abundant water for all people and the planet. With an unwavering commitment to environmental advocacy, Marc inspires change and spearheads impactful initiatives to address critical issues at the intersection of the global water and climate crisis.  Recognizing the profound impact the climate crisis has on water quality and availability, Marc is committed to addressing the paramount issue of climate change.

Under Marc’s leadership, Waterkeeper Alliance has amassed significant legal and advocacy victories, including stopping dirty fossil fuel projects, securing rules to prevent industrial agriculture slaughterhouse pollution, holding coal-fired power plants accountable for pollution, protecting coastal wetland forests, eliminating regulatory loopholes for pesticides, and securing human health protections from mercury pollution. With Marc's leadership, the organization continues to be at the forefront of key issues like PFAS, offshore oil and gas drilling, industrial agriculture pollution, and more.

Having spent his formative years in the Susquehanna River watershed in Pennsylvania, Marc developed a profound connection to water through experiences on myriad waterways. The early realization that clean water wasn’t universally accessible fueled his passion for advocating for this fundamental right, propelling him into a career dedicated to complex water challenges.

Since joining Waterkeeper Alliance in 2005, Marc has demonstrated not only a deep personal commitment to clean water but also leadership in developing strategic partnerships and promoting the Waterkeeper model of advocacy globally. His strategic focus is on increasing public awareness of the organization’s mission and championing key priorities to safeguard the universal right to clean water in communities worldwide.

Before assuming the role of CEO, Marc served as a Senior Attorney and Watershed Program Director for Riverkeeper, Inc., where he played a pivotal role in safeguarding the 2,000-square mile watershed that serves as New York City’s drinking water supply. His previous experience as a Staff Attorney with the Environmental Law Institute in Washington, D.C., further solidified his expertise in environmental law and advocacy.

Marc’s impact extends beyond organizational leadership. As an accomplished author, his articles, op-eds, and research papers resonate across publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and Politico. His commentary has been featured in wire services like AP, Bloomberg, and Reuters, amplifying his influence in the global dialogue on environmental issues. Marc further advocates for change by serving on several advisory boards in the non-profit and for-profit sectors.

For more than two decades, Marc Yaggi has engaged with audiences worldwide with keynote speeches, conference panels, and corporate seminars. His passion for clean water and dedication to the cause have inspired positive change on a global scale.

A graduate in Administration of Justice from The Pennsylvania State University, Marc holds a J.D. and an LL.M in Environmental Law from the Pace University School of Law. He resides in New York with his wife and two children, sharing a love for water-related activities that reflect his commitment to safeguarding this precious resource for generations to come.

Marc Yaggi's Articles

Holding Elected Officials Accountable in the United States: 25 Years of Waterkeeper Alliance


At Waterkeeper Alliance, we recently marked a significant milestone, celebrating our 25th anniversary and a quarter-century of protecting the fundamental...

Waterkeeper Alliance Responds to Outcome of 2024 U.S. Presidential Election


In response to the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Waterkeeper Alliance CEO Marc Yaggi calls for strong, scientifically sound action to...

A Global Imperative: A Moratorium on Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling


The specter of climate change looms large over our planet, casting a long shadow on the future of communities across the globe. As we prepare for the 29th...