If you've been involved with Catawba Riverkeeper in the last 4 years, you've seen the tremendous growth through which John Searby has led the organization.  With the support of dedicated staff, volunteers, and members, John's visionary leadership has propelled Catawba Riverkeeper into a premier environmental nonprofit. One key to his success has been an emphasis on collaboration between nonprofit, for profit, and government organizations who share a common mission of protecting and improving the environment and the quality of life for the people of this region.

Now, John has the opportunity to lead both Catawba Riverkeeper and ally in the nature movement, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, to new heights through a shared leadership model.

“It’s about nature preservation,” said John, who stepped into the Garden’s director role on March 1. “Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and the Catawba Riverkeeper share a deep-rooted passion for the world around us – from clean water to North Carolina’s beauty to fun and education. This shared leadership will allow us to converge our missions and work smarter toward effectively accomplishing our goals. “I look forward to bringing Catawba Riverkeeper and the Garden together in their visions and their day-to-day work to truly propel the importance of nature and preserve it for generations to come.”

Board Chair Adam Ackerman shares his excitement for John's dual role saying, "Catawba Riverkeeper looks forward to this shared leadership model with Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. The synergies of our organizations will help us achieve our long-term strategic plan with John at the helm. With the property of the Garden having a footprint on the banks of our river, we see this move only helping our mission of preserving, protecting and restoring the Catawba."