New River Conservancy Announces Andrew Downs as New Executive Director
Aug 18, 2024 06:16PM ● By WNC Business
Originally from Fuquay-Varina, NC, New River Conservancy's new Executive Director Andrew Downs is a 2001 graduate of Appalachian State University and earned a Master’s in Natural Resource Management from NC State in 2005. Andrew worked early in his conservation career on North Carolina’s Haw River building access points, supporting communities, and expanding the trail network in North Carolina.
Downs joined the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and worked up the ranks, from leading the Trail Crew program in Asheville to serving as Senior Regional Director overseeing both the VA and NC regional offices.
With decades of experience in community-driven conservation, Andrew brings a wealth of relationships among the federal and state partners, parks, nonprofits, and the communities that make the New River watershed so special. His experience in land protection, landscape conservation, visitor engagement, and organizational development will serve the New River Conservancy well as they continue to grow throughout the three-state watershed.
With family near Mouth of Wilson, Downs has a deep relationship with the New River watershed throughout the three states. An avid paddler, he’s often on the water with his wife of 12 years and their two daughers on the North Fork of the New River in NC and also the Little River near Floyd, VA.
Source: New River Conservancy