HYE YEONG KWON

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Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.

Hye Yeong Kwon, executive director and CEO of the Center for Watershed Protection Inc., has led the organization’s multi-disciplinary strategy to protect and restore watersheds nationwide since joining in 1996.

Kwon’s responsibilities encompass organizational management, fundraising and program development. Her project experience spans illicit discharge detection and elimination, environmentally sensitive site design, watershed planning, green jobs and consensus building.

Under her leadership, Kwon introduced “Open Acknowledgments” as the opening agenda item for staff meetings, providing time for team members to recognize and thank each other for work well done. This practice sets a constructive tone for collaboration and trust.

Kwon also established a virtual office environment well before the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision has enhanced employee well-being and productivity by offering flexibility in time management, eliminating regular commutes and building communication and trust through a common platform.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law significantly impacted the organization by providing funding for environmental improvements. However, reductions in federal environmental actions have also affected Maryland. Kwon has addressed these challenges by diversifying funding sources, a strategy she continues to pursue for future stability.

Kwon believes serving one’s community benefits both the community and the individual. She said that such actions fulfill gaps in society while helping individuals build bonds, enhance life experiences and create a sense of purpose.

A quote from Grace Lee Boggs, Chinese American author, social activist, philosopher and feminist, inspires Kwon: “If you want to make a revolution in the United States, you have to love this country enough to change it.”

Honoree profiles were written using an artificial intelligence program and supported by information provided by the honorees and other resources. Each profile was reviewed, fact-checked and edited for accuracy by The Daily Record’s editorial staff.