Judith Petersen (KY). A former aerospace engineer, Judy has been one of the river conservation movement’s most devoted advocates. A colleague once described Judy as “vigilant as a mother bear” watching over her charges, the rivers of Kentucky. Director of the Kentucky Waterways Alliance since 1997, Judy is a leader on water quality policy issues around the Southeast, serving as a citizen water quality monitor and outreach specialist. In 2007, Judy was presented with the Robert A. Lauderdale Award for Outstanding Contributions in Water Quality, an award to honor the individuals who have worked diligently to improve the Commonwealth’s water quality.