Blue Ridge Conservancy congratulates Charlie Brady, outgoing Executive Director, who was recently awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine by the state of North Carolina and Governor Josh Stein. This honor recognizes North Carolinians who have demonstrated extraordinary service and impactful contributions to the state. Those who are named become honorary North Carolina “Ambassadors” with their names and award dates recorded on a roster maintained by The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society.

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The Blue Ridge Conservancy Board of Trustees is excited to announce the hiring of David Ray as Executive Director. “David brings 29 years of experience in conservation, real estate, land use, fundraising, and non-profit leadership,” says Katherine Dean, Board Chair. “He is known for his integrity, his highly collaborative approach, and his deep knowledge and passion for conservation. He spent the first 14 years of his conservation career in western North Carolina, and we are delighted to welcome him back to the Blue Ridge mountains to advance BRC's mission.”

Ray has served as the Chief Conservation Officer at Lowcountry Land Trust in Charleston, SC, since 2018. He has also worked for The Nature Conservancy, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, and the Open Space Institute, leading or assisting in 70 land acquisition projects totaling almost 60,000 acres.

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Blue Ridge Conservancy’s Executive Director Charlie Brady will be moving on from the Conservancy this month after eight years of exceptional, visionary leadership. BRC staff, board members, and supporters have embraced the opportunity to thank Charlie for his commitment to land conservation and leadership in the High Country. So far, over 70 people have donated to the “5500 Campaign,” raising over $150,000 for the Land Protection Acquisition Fund in Charlie’s honor.

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