ALBANY - The Nature Conservancy in New York has named Rick Werwaiss as the Eastern New York (ENY) Chapter’s new executive director. Werwaiss has more than 20 years of experience working with conservation and public interest organizations and is a proven leader and fundraiser.  He has worked with National Audubon Society, Wildlife Conservation Society, American Farmland Trust and most recently the Albany Medical Center Foundation, among others.

“Rick’s passion for conservation and proven fundraising record make him the right person to lead ENY,” said NY State Director Bill Ulfelder.  “He impressed us as a leader with vision and a deep understanding of the conservation challenges we face. These factors, coupled with his ability to build and nurture relationships with a wide range of people make him a strong leader for the chapter.”

“As a long-time resident of New York, I have been inspired by the natural beauty and biodiversity of our region,” said Werwaiss. “I am honored to have the opportunity to continue the important science-based conservation work that the Conservancy has been engaged in the Hudson Valley over the past years and look forward to building on this strong foundation as we work to meet significant environmental challenges locally, and around the world.”

Werwaiss, who grew up at the mouth of the Connecticut River, earned a bachelor’s degree from Bates College in Maine in 1987. An outdoor enthusiast throughout his life, Rick presently lives in the view shed of the Catskills and regularly cycles the back roads of the Taconics during the warm months, when not hiking or canoeing on the Hudson River or Kinderhook creek.  In the winter months, you will find him on snowshoes and skis across the Valley.