Our Team

Nick is the Executive Director and mind behind the creation of the nonprofit Urban Rivers. Nick oversees the design and development of innovative floating gardens and park spaces like the Wild Mile. He graduated with a BBA in Entrepreneurship from Wilkes University and worked on aeroponic systems and spearheaded mushroom plant research at 'The Plant' by building a commercial pasteurizing system for producing mushrooms. Nick’s an avid tinkerer and always building something new. 

Zachary Damato has spent his career working/consulting on environmental issues ranging from food waste to CPG start-ups to river conservation. Zachary has co-founded multiple companies including Norman Distribution and Niwa, and in 2014-2016, Zachary co-founded Urban Rivers. He holds a B.S. in Organizational Management and a certificate in Innovation & Entrepreneurship from Purdue University and Tsinghua University and is currently an M.F.A. candidate at the Savannah College of Art & Design focused on sustainable materials for sneakers. 

Phil focuses on studying the ecological impacts of artificial habitat structures on urbanized waterways. His published work includes collaborations with Illinois State, Northeastern University, and the National Aquarium in Boston. He has experience in the restoration and preservation of natural areas, and has also worked for the Illinois Natural History Survey, Chicago Botanic Garden, and Shedd Aquarium. Phil studied Biology and History at the University of Illinois, and has a master’s degree in biology from Northeastern Illinois University

Maya manages Urban Rivers operations behind-the-scenes to ensure the organization’s many programs and team members are supported; including administrative duties and volunteer program management. She holds a BA in Environmental Studies and a BS in Anthropology from Loyola University Chicago. With a background in conservation and environmental education, she is passionate about connecting people with their local ecosystems. Maya started as a volunteer with Urban Rivers back in 2020, and has deeply enjoyed getting to watch the organization grow over time and to help streamline its success. 

Sage designs and leads Urban Rivers’ public programming, organizing workshops, field trips, and community events. She also manages Urban Rivers’ communications, including newsletters and social media. Sage holds a BA in Biology and a BA in Neuroscience from the University of Chicago. With a background in science communication and outdoor leadership, Sage loves getting people excited about nature, and believes that greenspace access is a crucial component of environmental equity.

Stephen is the newest addition to the team, but he's been a common sight on the river for years, volunteering for Urban Rivers and kayaking with his daughter, Grace. He's studied in Texas, D.C., Namibia, Florida, and Chicago, earning a B.A. in Economics, a J.D., and a Masters in Computer Science along the way. Stephen assists with managing Urban Rivers' wonderful volunteers, troubleshooting electronic equipment, and generally taking pressure off other busy staff members. He looks forward to implementing exciting new ways for volunteers to build community around the river, and loves talking with visitors, especially when swapping Chicago history stories.

Bubba Tucker has been with Urban Rivers since the beginning of recorded history, and plays a pivotal role in defending the organization's flagship floating eco-park from those who would seek to eat its plants and poop on its boardwalk. He's the organization's mascot, muse, and unofficial public relations manager. He's an accomplished bandana-wearer and loyal PetCo customer. In his free time, Bubba enjoys napping and eating anything that smells bad.