ROANOKE RIVER BASIN ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Gene Addesso announces step-down after 13 years at the helm of the Roanoke River Basin Association.

In his usual quiet and calm style veteran president of the Roanoke River Basin Association, Gene Addesso announced that he will retire from that leadership role on June 26th at a board meeting of the RRBA.  A successor is not known but will most likely be elected at that time.

After 33 years as an IBM executive, Addesso assumed the leadership role of the RRBA directing it to a more fact-based, science-alert organization designed to protect the Roanoke River Basin; that protection including natural elements, outside potential threats and if need be, the government as well.

Addesso studied how the basin with all its creeks, rivers, and lakes is put together and became an expert, especially in the eyes of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.  He is considered one of the top layman on the river and its basin in existence.

Under his leadership the RRBA has grown and strengthened its affiliations, with the organization showing that it will challenge through lawsuits if necessary to protect the Roanoke River Basin.

In a memo to friends and associates, Addesso said, “After many long years of volunteer community service to the Roanoke River Basin Association I have decide it is time for me to retire my position as President and let younger folks take the helm in moving the organization forward.

I will remain a member of the RRBA and make myself available for advise and counsel as long as it is needed. I will work to insure a transition to new leadership and coverage on all the projects. Also I must say it has been a pleasure working with you folks over the years.”

“Gene has led the fights over Uranium mining in Virginia that could potentially harm the rivers and Kerr Lake, he’s worked tirelessly on Corps of Engineers reports, plans and guide curve patterns, he joined us right at the top on the Coal Ash and Hydrilla dilemmas.  And the key point is, that he has worked on a multitude of issues and problems with solutions that we all don’t even know about.  That’s just Gene Addesso,” commented ally and Lead Public Affairs Frank Timberlake of Kerr Lake Park Watch.

“We know what a tremendous leadership position that Gene has crafted that president’s job into and we know that RRBA knows how important that role is now and we look forward to seeing the RRBA put in another dynamic leader,” added Timberlake.  “For now, we want to wish Gene some peace and enjoyment.  He deserves it for a job well done.”

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