Cape Fear River Watch Executive Director Dana Sargent, notably known as a leader in the region’s fight against “forever chemicals,” announced she is leaving her post next week.
“To my colleagues and community members in ‘PFAS land’ – I am not giving up and I’ll be in touch,” Sargent said in an email Wednesday night announcing her upcoming departure.
Supporter Spotlight
Sargent’s last day as the nonprofit environmental organization’s executive director is May 23. She is taking on a new role as N.C. Audubon’s director of community building beginning May 27.
“Cape Fear River Watch remains steady and strong, and a transition is in-the-works, guided by your trusted CFRW leadership, and I’ll be here to help,” Sargent said. “The decision did not come easily or hastily for me. This is bittersweet as heck.”
During her role as executive director, Sargent became a prominent voice against the releases of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, by industries into the environment, including the Cape Fear River. She has recounted the story of her brother, who died in December 2019 following a battle with brain cancer.
Sargent has publicly questioned whether his exposure to PFAS for decades as a Chicago firefighter and former U.S. Marine caused his cancer.
Sargent explained in her email that her role with Audubon “will allow me the privilege of focusing most of my time on the aspect of environmental protection that my time with CFRW has taught me is the most meaningful to me – working with the community.”
Supporter Spotlight
“While working myself ragged does come with a badge of honor to some extent, I have come to realize that I want more time for peace with loved ones in this short life of ours. I am hoping this shift brings that peace, while still fulfilling me through a new purpose in protecting our environment – for the birds!,” she said.
Sargent joined the organization’s advocacy committee some 12 years ago and, in 2019, was named its executive director.
“I will remain in town and will remain faithfully involved and supportive of CFRW,” she said. “I’ll see y’all around!”
