News from Friends of the Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas Reserve

The Friends of the Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, a private non-profit citizen organization supporting the Research Reserve’s education, stewardship and research programs, reported to Historic City News that they have appointed Ellen Leroy-Reed as executive director.

She will lead the organization’s volunteer initiatives, citizen involvement and community partnerships, according to an announcement received today.

“Ellen brings over 15 years of fundraising and business development experience to the organization,” said Debbi Magri, president of Friends of the Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve Board of Directors. “We look forward to working with her on many of the Friends’ projects, such as our upcoming OceanWise fundraiser.”

Leroy-Reed has been dedicated to social causes and volunteer efforts throughout her career. Before joining Friends, she served as gala director for the American Heart Association and owned a consulting business specializing in development for mission-based organizations.

She is a member of Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Interior Design Advisory Council and has volunteered with the US Green Building Council, GlobalJax, Navy League, American Lung Association, HabiJax, and the USO. She served as a mentor with Community Connections and Junior Achievement’s JA Girl$ Program. Leroy-Reed, husband Fred, and five children have lived in Jacksonville for over ten years.