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 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.     #  #  # 

Portland, OR – River Network, the leading conservation organization for the river and watershed community in the United States, commemorates its 25th anniversary this year, and just wrapped up a successful 14th annual River Rally in St. Louis, Missouri. Over 425 leaders in river and watershed conservation gathered from 44 states and Canada to engage, celebrate and deepen their knowledge of the clean water movement. After Rally, longtime partner, board member and most recently President of River Network, Todd Ambs announced that he would be leaving River Network to return to his home watershed – The Great Lakes. Ambs, who originally joined River Network as a partner over a decade ago, has served as a board member and chair until he was appointed President three years ago. He will be leaving to accept the position of Campaign Director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. The Coalition works to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Ambs says of his departure, “It’s with a heavy heart that I leave an organization near and dear to me. However, it’s time for me to return to Wisconsin and continue my contribution to the clean water movement at the regional level in a new capacity.” Ambs continued, “River Network is in a better place than ever before with its strategic plan well underway, and a fully aligned board and staff as well as a healthy budget of $2.6 million. We now work with over 2,000 state, regional and local grassroots river and watershed groups around the country, and our staff members will continue the great work we’ve undertaken after adopting our current strategic plan in 2010." River Network Board Chair Suzi Wilkins Berl states, “It’s an exciting time for River Network and the river movement. Rally this year was one of the most high-energy and spirited of late, and that’s a testament to the increasing momentum we are gaining with our partners, volunteers, staff and board. We will miss Todd and know he will remain part of our larger connected water community. All of River Network’s programmatic work will proceed as planned. We operate five main programs: Mobilization, Organizational Development, Partner Group Services, Educational Programs and Water, Energy and Climate Change program.  Todd leaves us in an excellent position. In addition, the five program leaders have over 90 combined years of experience in the conservation community and over 50 years with River Network. River Network seeks a motivated, high energy, collaborative and creative leader to guide us to our next level.” A transition team has been formed, and the national search is expected to take several months to identify the best candidate for the position. The President will be based in Portland, Oregon where River Network has been headquartered since its inception.  An interim director will be appointed by the River Network board upon Ambs departure on June 30, 2013. Interested candidates for the permanent President’s position should contact Suzi Wilkins Berl, Board Chair of River Network at ennalls@att.net.  Until an interim director is appointed, please contact Todd Ambs with questions at TAmbs@rivernetwork.org. Media should contact board development and communications chair, Kimberly Charles at kcharles@charlescomm.com  or 415-730-0064. 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 Idaho work closely with thousands of 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. # # #