River Network Appoints Nicole Silk as New President: Seasoned Conservation Leader Begins New Role January 6, 2014
9 December, 2013
Portland, OR – River Network, the leading conservation organization for the river and watershed community in the United States, is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole Silk as President. Silk is a proven conservation leader, with over 25 years of experience including as Managing Director of The Nature Conservancy’s Global Freshwater Team. Her experience building coalitions among global and national institutions influential in the water arena will bring an informed strategic perspective to River Network’s role in the freshwater movement. “Water is essential for each and every one of us. Water, and the rivers it flows through, connects our landscape, drives our economic activities, provides recreational opportunities, and engages our senses. Managing rivers to support nature and people is no easy task, but River Network has proved its value by providing individualized support and needed capacity to local efforts. I look forward to continuing that tradition and expanding our collective impact. I am thrilled to be River %20cropped.jpg) Network’s new President,” stated Silk.
Silk’s diverse experience includes strategy development and goal setting for projects, public policy efforts from the local to national level, innovative knowledge practices, fundraising, and relationship building of all kinds. Silk earned a BA in Environmental Studies and Economics at University of California, Santa Cruz and a JD at UC Davis. In addition, Silk worked as a river guide for nearly a decade, concurrent with her professional pursuits. Today, she spends as much time as feasible on rivers and enjoying the outdoors with her family. After a six-month nationwide search, River Network couldn’t be happier with its choice. Board Chair Suzi Wilkins Berl shares, “River Network was conceived in 1988 out of a commitment to conserve rivers through grassroots action. Over our 25-year history, we have had five Presidents lead us. Nicole joins us at a time when the river movement is expanding and our organization is poised to play a more significant role in shaping freshwater issues at home and abroad." Today’s non-profit executives need to possess a diverse set of skills in problem solving, fundraising, communicating their organizations messages, building strong coalitions and working closely with both board and staff to realize their goals. Silk brings all those skills and more and joins a talented and seasoned team at River Network. About River Network For twenty-five years, River Network has empowered and united people and communities to protect and restore rivers and other waters that sustain the health of our country. River Network envisions a future when every person knows their watershed and is an active caretaker of their local river, lake, stream or bay. The organization works for the day when all people, fish and wildlife have access to clean plentiful water. The headquarter staff in Portland, OR and field staff in Vermont, Maryland, North Carolina, Utah and Ohio work closely with over 2,000 watershed protection groups from coast to coast – building the capacity of state and local groups, assisting people grappling with water and environmental health problems, protecting habitat for fish, wildlife and people, developing blue cities through green infrastructure, and reducing our country’s use of water and energy. For media inquiries, interviews and image requests, please contact Suzi Wilkins Berl, River Network Board Chair; 828-250-0017; ennalls@att.net.
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