Rachel Cook
Chief Finance and Operations Officer
Since 9/29/07
Rachel Cook joined the Waterkeeper Alliance team in August 2007, and currently serves on the executive team as the Chief Finance and Operations Officer. In this role, Rachel’s responsibilities span a wide range of areas, and contribute to the success of all departments within the organization. She provides oversight of all financial and operational functions of the organization, including financial management, HR, IT, and ensuring that the organization is sustainably run.
Before starting at Waterkeeper Alliance, Rachel learned about the organization while volunteering with and working for Hackensack Riverkeeper at their canoe and kayak livery in Secaucus, NJ. This sparked her nearly 20 year long dedication to supporting the amazing work that Waterkeeper groups are doing around the world. Seeing their dedication and determination is a constant source of inspiration for her work.
She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont, a M.S. in Sustainability Management from Columbia University, and is a LEED Green Associate. Rachel utilizes all of her educational background in her role, from understanding watersheds to implementing sustainable practices in event production to overseeing the buildout of office space.
Rachel lives in Pittsburgh with her excitable pup, Heath. While not working, she can most likely be found skiing, running, at a crossfit class, on a long dog walk, or rooting for the Steelers, who play where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers come together to form the Ohio.
“I lived in a town along the Hudson River for many years, and one of my favorite ways to start or end the day was with a run along the river. Not only did I get a sense of renewal from the flow of the river, but I also drew inspiration for my work by knowing this was the spot where our entire movement started.”