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
Bella Hubbard
Bella Hubbard is the Office and Fieldwork Manager and the newest member of the Friends of Blackwater team! She is involved in a variety of activities including restoring the rail trail, leading eco-tours, combating the Corridor-H project, and more.
She grew up in Arden, West Virginia, where she developed a deep love for this state’s diverse ecosystems. Her childhood was filled with snake catching, salamander hunting, and frog snatching. She doesn’t think it came as a surprise to anyone when she decided to attend WVU to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology, which she attained in May 2024.
While her passion spans all aspects of nature, she has a particular fondness for insects, reptiles, amphibians, and native plants. She’s very eager to contribute to protecting the natural wonders of Blackwater Canyon!
Office and Fieldwork Manager
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.