From left — Isabel Hardesty, ShoreRivers’ Executive Director; Tim Junkin, founder of one of ShoreRivers’ legacy organization and its former Executive Director; Kristin Junkin, ShoreRivers’ Director of Operations & Finance; and Scott Budden, ShoreRivers’ Deputy Director of Finance — are pictured at the Nonprofit CFO of the Year Awards in Washington, D.C., earlier this month, where Kristin Junkin was honored as the group’s 2025 Philanthropic CFO of the Year.
ShoreRivers is proud to announce that Kristin Junkin — the organization’s Director of Operations & Finance and a founder of one of its legacy organizations — was recognized at the Nonprofit CFO of the Year Awards, an event recognizing excellence in nonprofit financial leadership, during its annual reception on October 8.
The annual Nonprofit CFO Awards honor exceptional financial executives whose vision, operational excellence, and leadership have made a significant impact on the missions and sustainability of nonprofit organizations. Junkin was honored as the group’s 2025 Philanthropic CFO of the Year for her fiscal leadership, her key role in expanding ShoreRivers’ profile in the environmental restoration industry, and her meticulous oversight of the organization’s finances, grant work, and general operations.
“Whether it is through dogged perseverance, or working creatively with both public and private partners to accomplish goals of financial viability and improved water quality, Kristin is a shining example of how someone can serve as a catalyst for action,” said ShoreRivers’ Executive Director Isabel Hardesty. “She has been a driving force in sustaining and growing funding for ShoreRivers, and key to ensuring all grants and donations are stewarded in the best possible way for our Eastern Shore rivers and creeks. We’re eternally grateful for her leadership and hard work.”
Under Junkin’s financial leadership, ShoreRivers has grown since 2018 from $3.9M in annual revenues to $7.7M (nearly 100% growth in eight years), from 21 employees to 33; and from $1.6M in assets to $4.4M (a 175% increase). Her expert financial management has led to staff and asset growth, and has better allowed the organization to serve the public in meeting its vision of thriving rivers cherished by all Eastern Shore communities.
Kristin Junkin began her career as a lawyer for a large Washington, D.C., firm and then for many years co-owned a federal government contracting company. She was the founder and president of Outside Counsel, a legal personnel service in Washington, D.C. She is a summa cum laude graduate of Howard University where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and she has a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.
ShoreRivers’ mission is to protect Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement — all of which are possible only through excellent operational leadership and the financial support of our members and other stewards standing strong for clean water.
Mary Smith says
Congratulations to Ms. Junkin on this recognition, and thank you to ShoreRivers for standing up against the spread of biosolids. That’s an issue where many of us in Talbot County agree. Nobody wants treated human waste on farmland near the Bay. But at the same time, the group’s opposition to ordinary fertilizer use and on-site septic systems is out of touch with the realities of rural life here. Farmers and homeowners alike depend on these systems to make a living and keep property usable. Protecting water quality is essential, but it needs to happen in partnership with the people who actually live and work along these shores.