Josephine Ellsworth

Administrative/Operations Manager/ Instructor

Josephine joined the Whitewater Rescue Institute after beginning her career at Montana River Guides, where she grew up guiding riverboarding and raft trips on the Alberton Gorge. Born and raised in Montana, she attended Willamette University, earning a degree in Environmental Science while spending her summers guiding and assisting with swiftwater rescue instruction.

Jo played a key role in developing the riverboarding program for XSPORTS4Vets, a nonprofit organization that provides extreme sports opportunities for combat veterans. In her current role as WRI’s Office Administrative Manager, she oversees critical operations and logistics while also managing the Montana Wyoming Oil Spill Control Cooperative. She has successfully led and coordinated multiple high-level spill response efforts for WRI, demonstrating exceptional leadership in environmental incident management.

With her deep-rooted passion for river safety, environmental protection, and outdoor adventure, Jo continues to be a vital part of WRI’s mission.