Ozarks Profile: Diana Sheridan

What is your job?

Diana Sheridan is executive director of the not-for-profit James River Basin Partnership, located at 205 Park Central and now in its third year. Sheridan oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization, she said, including "managing finances, grant development and administration, fund-raising, coordinating and participating in community events to promote clean water, and I develop and oversee education outreach programs." She added that she is accountable to a 27-member board of directors.

Please tell us about your business.

"JRBP strives to educate and engage the public on water quality issues," Sheridan said. "Our geographic focus is primarily the James River Basin, but we do work outside of the basin in Branson and Taney County. JRBP sponsors scientific research to increase understanding of impacts to our local waterways. JRBP believes everyone must take personal responsibility to protect and improve our water resources. Everyone who lives in southwest Missouri and the millions of visitors deserve to enjoy our lakes and rivers without worry of disease or unsightliness of polluted waters."

What prepared you for the work you're doing?

"Growing up in Springfield and spending time at my family's cabin on Table Rock Lake influenced my appreciation of local water resources," Sheridan said. She earned a degree in biology in 1993 from Drury University and in 1997 was awarded a master's degree in zoology and physiology, specializing in bioremediation and aquatic toxicology, from the University of Wyoming. "I have been a naturalist at Meramec State Park and a biology instructor at SMSU," she said. "Both of these teaching experiences have helped me understand how to express a complex biological system, such as a river or stream, to people with little or no scientific background."

What's the best part of your job?

"Knowing I am helping to educate residents about the complexity, heritage and importance of local waterways," Sheridan said. "I also feel that JRBP sends the message that each individual has the power to positively impact water quality. This is a very powerful message and I enjoy delivering it. I feel that I am working to make a difference in water quality in this region."

Can you tell us something about your personal life and family?

Sheridan married Springfield native David Sheridan in 1996. "He has two daughters, Madeline and Gabrielle," she said. "(They) live in Springfield and we get to spend a lot of time with them, which we both enjoy. David's and my parents and many of our brothers and sisters live in Missouri, so we spend a lot of time visiting our families on weekends."

How do you like to spend your leisure time?

Sheridan said she enjoys training for triathlons consisting of swimming, biking and running. "I also enjoy fishing and hunting with my husband. If I didn't, I would never see him. Because I work in an office, during my leisure time I look for any activity that will get me outside."

by Frank Shipe