October 2023: A Message from Our Executive Director

Dear Wolf River Conservancy Friend,

In June, I shared with you that the Wolf River Conservancy's Board of Directors had conducted a comprehensive succession plan in anticipation of my retirement as the Executive Director of the Conservancy.

Now, after an extensive executive search, it is my very special honor to announce that the Conservancy has hired Erik Houston as our new Executive Director.  Erik has extensive experience in the non-profit space, specifically with the Kroc Center and the YMCA here in Memphis.  He brings strong organizational administration capabilities and fundraising chops, and he exhibits a demeanor that will undoubtedly quickly win over the trust of our staff, board, and donors.  Please join me in welcoming Erik, his wife Rehana, and their children Emmerson, Harper, and Grace to the Wolf River Conservancy family.

Erik will do an excellent job in continuing to advance the mission and work of the Conservancy for years to come; I am sure he will help us achieve new levels of success that we cannot even imagine today.  Erik and I will be working together for the next few weeks as we make this important transition within the Wolf River Conservancy.  We will also be making personal introductions to many of you.

I will always remain a friend of the Wolf River Conservancy, just as I have made countless friends in my role as Executive Director since 2011.  I am proud of what we have accomplished together!

I am certain that, with your continued support, Erik will continue our trajectory of success in land conservation, community engagement, and building the Wolf River Greenway – all in service of our mission to protect and enhance the Wolf River watershed as a sustainable natural resource.

Thank you all for the opportunity to serve our community in this very special way!

Sincerely,

Keith Cole

Executive Director