Blue Ridge Conservancy Honors Outgoing Executive Director Charlie Brady

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.

“Charlie has been a constant source of inspiration to staff, the BRC Board of Trustees, donors and community partners,” says BRC Board Chair Katherine Dean. “Charlie’s passion for conservation has kept BRC laser focused on its mission to save more of the land we all love for future generations. Thanks to Charlie’s transformational leadership, BRC has created a conservation campus for everyone to enjoy, spearheaded the Northern Peaks State Trail, championed the Middle Fork Greenway, created the Land Protection Acquisition Fund, and helped save over 5,500 acres of significant land in BRC’s service area.”

There is still time to make a contribution to the 5500 Campaign. Every dollar donated by August 15 will support the Land Protection Acquisition Fund and the longevity of Blue Ridge Conservancy, working to save the places we all love. The Land Protection Acquisition Fund allows Blue Ridge Conservancy to move quickly to conserve land with agricultural, cultural, recreational, ecological and scenic value in northwest North Carolina.

According to BRC’s Director of Development Sara Crouch, “It’s no surprise to us that people took the chance to express their gratitude and well wishes to Charlie. He is known for his far-spanning vision for conservation efforts, passion for this region, and the special way he can make connections with, and between, the people in his orbit.”

“It is with heartfelt thanks that the staff, board and friends of BRC wish Charlie a happy, well-deserved next chapter filled with fly-fishing and time in nature,” adds Dean. “Charlie…may you catch many fish!”

Donations can be made here. Questions or comments can be directed to Sara Crouch at sara@blueridgeconservancy.org.