Flow Water Advocates Names New Executive Director

Katrina Shankland takes over leadership of the Marquette-based organization after a nationwide search.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in People

Flow Water Advocates Names New Executive Director

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Flow Water Advocates has officially appointed former Wisconsin assemblywoman Katrina Shankland as its new executive director. She succeeds the organization's founding director, Liz Kirkwood, who held the position for 15 years.

Why it matters

The leadership transition aims to strengthen the organization's advocacy efforts against growing environmental threats throughout the Great Lakes Basin. Shankland brings significant legislative experience to the group as they continue to challenge major regional infrastructure projects.

Flow Water Advocates was founded in 2011 and saw its previous leader serve for 15 years. During her career, the new executive director helped pass 225 bipartisan bills.

The players

Katrina Shankland

She is the former Wisconsin state Assembly member who previously served as executive director of Rust Belt Rising.

Liz Kirkwood

She is the founding executive director of Flow Water Advocates who has transitioned to the role of strategic partnership officer.

Flow Water Advocates

This is a non-profit organization based in Marquette that focuses on protecting the water and ecosystems of the Great Lakes Basin.

The details

Liz Kirkwood will transition into a new role as the organization's strategic partnership officer to support the leadership shift. The appointment follows a nationwide search prompted by the need for enhanced regulatory protections for the Great Lakes.

2011: Flow Water Advocates began operations.
2013-2025: Shankland served in the Wisconsin state Assembly.
October 26, 2026: Shankland began her role as executive director.

Market Landscape

The organizational leadership change at Flow Water Advocates follows the Michigan Supreme Court's decision to void a required permit for the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline tunnel. This shift reflects a broader trend of environmental groups restructuring to address complex legal and regulatory challenges.

Residents can expect the organization to maintain its focus on local environmental policy as the new leadership settles in. The shift to a dedicated strategic partnership role may improve the group's ability to coordinate with community stakeholders regarding regional water issues.

The takeaway

Non-profit organizations often adjust their internal structures when facing heightened external regulatory pressures. Stakeholders should track these leadership changes to understand how an organization's focus on regional advocacy might evolve over the coming years.