On Friday, our Board of Directors announced the resignation of our Executive Director, John Searby, and outlined the leadership transition plan to fill his role.

John has served as the joint Executive Director for both Catawba Riverkeeper and Daniel Stowe Conservancy over the past two years and will remain with Catawba Riverkeeper throughout the search process. Once our new leader is onboarded, John will transition to serve exclusively as Executive Director of Daniel Stowe Conservancy. 

We are grateful for John's leadership and for the organizational growth that he has fostered over the last 6 years. As we begin our search for a new executive director, we look forward to finding a leader who will champion Catawba Riverkeeper's mission, as John has done so well during his time with us.

In 2023, Catawba Riverkeeper began a partnership with Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden to develop synergies in programming and create new opportunities for both organizations. Over the past 2 ½ years, the staffs have worked together on various initiatives, shared resources, and frequently partnered on joint programs. Both organizations intend to continue their collaborative relationship moving forward, while each retains its own Executive Director. Although John will be transitioning to his new role as Executive Director at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, he will remain actively engaged with Catawba Riverkeeper. 

Catawba Riverkeeper is currently one of the ten largest riverkeeper organizations in the United States, boasting over 8,000 members across the 26 counties of North and South Carolina where the waters of the Catawba flow. Supported by a staff of 12 and a volunteer board of 22, the new Executive Director will be charged with advancing the organization’s mission to preserve, protect, and restore the waters of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin for all through education, advocacy, and engagement. 

Adam Ackerman, the Chair of our Board of Directors, shared that “We are confident that the opportunity to lead Catawba Riverkeeper is going to be attractive to many outstanding candidates. We are looking for someone to come in and not only continue the good work and growth that John and his team have accomplished over the past several years, but to expand our impact on clean water across the Catawba River basin.”  Adam also expressed his gratitude to John for his vision, dedication, and service to Catawba Riverkeeper. 

Individuals interested in applying for the Executive Director position should click here and complete the online application. A search committee made up of board and staff members will review applicants on a rolling basis and conduct interviews of selected candidates.