Our Team
Judy Rodd
Judy Rodd is our Executive Director, and has run Friends of Blackwater since 2000. She has an M.S. in Recreation and Parks from West Virginia University, and has been working as an environmental educator and advocate since 1985. In addition to serving as our director, she handles much of the grants and fundraising.
Executive Director
Thomas Rodd
Thomas Rodd, a member of Friends of Blackwater’s Board of Directors, attended Berea College and Fairmont State University. He graduated from the West Virginia University College of Law in 1982. His law practice included statewide litigation and advocacy on environmental and consumer protection, energy efficiency, and toxic torts. He was Senior Law Clerk to Justice Larry Starcher of the WV Supreme Court. Since his retirement in 2013 he has directed FOB’s climate education and West Virginia history programs.
Co-Executive Director
Chelsea Ice-Toothman
Chelsea is the Digital Outreach Director at Friends of Blackwater. With an undergraduate degree in Interior Design from Fairmont State University and a Master’s in Digital Marketing from West Virginia University, she’s thrilled to bring her passion for creativity and communication to this incredible role. Growing up in the Fairmont, WV area, She’s always felt a deep connection to the region’s natural beauty and understands the importance of preserving it. Creativity has always been at the heart of her professional journey, driving her to seek out roles where she can blend artistic vision with meaningful impact.
Digital Outreach Director
John Brown
John Brown is Friends of Blackwater’s technical consultant. He has run his own computer business and has worked with non-profits across West Virginia. When not helping Friends of Blackwater, he teaches middle school science.
Technical Consultant
Loki Kern
Loki Kern is the new Campaign Coordinator at Friends of Blackwater! A recent Policy Studies graduate from Chatham University, Loki will primarily be working the Go North Corridor H campaign, along with general writing and community organizing. Loki is from Charles Town, WV. Raised by two public school teachers in a politically active environment, he was thrust into protests the second he could walk- the most influential of which being the 2017-2018 Teachers Strike.
In 2022 Loki was a VISTA volunteer, teaching music at a community center in Logan County and learning more about the struggles of rural Appalachian living. In 2023, Loki was a Summer Intern for the West Virginia Democratic Party, learning crucial skills in electoral campaigns and community outreach. He hopes to carry over what he’s learned from his past experiences and build upon them by working at Friends of Blackwater.