Greenfield, MA, [9/28/23]. Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the Connecticut River watershed in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut since 1952, is thrilled to announce Rebecca Todd as their next Executive Director, to formally begin on October 9th, 2023.
Rebecca has most recently served as the Executive Director of New Hampshire’s Stonewall Farm, a non-profit working farm and education center, however it is her rich experience as an attorney that has shaped most of her career.
For over 30 years Rebecca has advised organizations, individuals, and businesses in matters related to environmental, educational, contractual, employment, and non-profit management. She served as General Counsel for Antioch University, as Associate Attorney General in the Office of the Attorney General in Washington in the Education and Ecology divisions, and litigated cases for the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund, Inc. (now Earthjustice) and the Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. related to the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and hazardous waste laws. Rebecca also teaches environmental law, legal advocacy, and other subjects nationally and internationally.
In addition to these professional accomplishments, Rebecca grew up in the Connecticut River watershed, has raised a family while stewarding farmland along the river in New Hampshire, and is cultivating a new passion for the sport of rowing.
“After an incredibly thorough search and evaluation of the needs of our organization, we are thrilled to welcome Rebecca as the next Executive Director. Her robust experience, character, and passion for the Connecticut River and surrounding communities will help implement a strategic and sustainable path in the years to come.” – Bob Sproull, Board Chair of Connecticut River Conservancy
“I look forward to supporting the incredibly collaborative network of partners, members, and community members who recreate on the Connecticut River, and to developing solutions dedicated to healthier rivers in our beautiful watershed.” – Rebecca Todd, Upcoming Executive Director of Connecticut River Conservancy
The Search Committee, including members of CRC’s Board of Trustees, staff, and executive search firm Eos Transition Partners, received applications from many well-qualified individuals across the country over the last few months and after careful review have determined that Rebecca is the most qualified to become the next great leader of Connecticut River Conservancy.
Experience related to operational, fiscal, and human resource management were essential, as well as a track record in successful relationship-building, and experience supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as part of organizational culture. Many excellent candidates were considered, and CRC is grateful for all those who applied.
CRC’s previous Executive Director, Andy Fisk, departed in the fall of 2022 after 10 years with the organization and is now the Northeast Regional Director at American Rivers. During this transitional time, CRC has been capably led by interim Executive Director and Director of Restoration Programs, Ron Rhodes who has been a member of CRC staff for over 12 years. The new Executive Director will be welcomed by an enthusiastic Board, knowledgeable staff, and dozens of highly engaged regional stakeholders.
CRC has a robust 70-year history of environmental conservation and restoration. The organization was first formed as the Connecticut River Watershed Council in 1952 by a group of concerned citizens, rebranded to the Connecticut River Conservancy in 2017, and has been a voice for the Connecticut River since the beginning. Programs include healthy habitat restoration through tree planting and dam removal, advocacy to prevent pollution, invasive species removal, water quality monitoring, river recreation access, community science to support migratory fish, the annual Source to Sea Cleanup, and more.
Rebecca will be available for interviews starting October 9th, and CRC’s direct communications via email and social media will include introductory messages in the weeks and months to come. A series of meet-and-greet events are also being planned.
In the meantime, we invite you to share a personal message for Rebecca to send your congratulatory well-wishes or hopes for the Connecticut River and surrounding communities.
For any questions, please contact CRC’s Director of Communications, Diana Chaplin, at dchaplin@ctriver.org.