Pam Davee Joins HRWA Staff as Director of Foundation Relations and Policy Specialist

by Julia Halford

There’s no sweeter music to a nonprofit organization’s ears than a volunteer who walks through the door and says “I want to help!” Pam Davee’s enthusiasm for the HRWA was immediately evident when she volunteered to take on the silent auction for the Harpeth River Hootenanny last summer. Her expertise and passion for the river were obvious and it wasn’t long before she joined the staff of HRWA, becoming the Director of Foundation Relations and Policy Specialist on September 1, 2004.

Pam relocated to Franklin from Atlanta with her family in the fall of 2003. Having earned her Masters of Science in Public Policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Pam had been working as the Development Director for the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper in Atlanta. While in that role for three years, Pam had been responsible for raising 75% of the organization’s $1.2 million budget; had researched, planned, and executed their first Annual Fund Campaign; and had written grant proposals which resulted in 15 new corporate and foundation gifts from national and local philanthropic entities. Pam transferred her abilities and experience here and has already applied for several grants on behalf of the Harpeth River Watershed Association.

Pam has also been heavily involved with important water policy issues facing the Harpeth River watershed. These issues include alternative sewer systems, the impact of impoundments in the headwaters of a river system, and proper clean-up of a battery plant site in the headwaters of the Harpeth River. Pam’s enthusiasm carries her far and wide. Not only has she traveled extensively in Central America exploring the terrain as well as the waters as a scuba diver, she also serves on missions trips. Pam has just returned from

Guatemala where she traveled with First United Methodist Church of Franklin on a two week mission trip in March. Fluent in Spanish, Pam served as an interpreter for the group as they built a church and a school.

Pam’s love for the river is also evident in the fact that she and her husband Bob chose a home here in Franklin that backs up to the Harpeth River. The entire family, Buzz the blue-heeler included, take advantage of walking out the back door to walk along the river. The Davees’ daughter Rachel

shares her mother’s sense of adventure and has spent this year between high school and college traveling and studying in Central and South America. Their twin sons, Charlie and Max, are sophomores in high school and are active members of Franklin High’s baseball and lacrosse teams.

HRWA is thrilled to have a staff member with Pam’s experience and professionalism working on foundation relations and policy, areas which are critical to achieving our mission. Please help us welcome Pam Davee to the HRWA team. Her energy and expertise have already added significantly to the Harpeth River Watershed Association.

-From Voices for the Harpeth, Spring 2005