The Mount St. Helens Institute, a nonprofit partner with the U.S Forest Service, has announced the selection of Richard Meyer as its new executive director. He began his tenure Thursday, according to the Mount St. Helens Institute.
Meyer fills the vacancy created by Travis Southworth-Neumeyer’s departure in May to join Trackers Earth.
The selection was made after a thorough national search and selection process, according to the institute.
“I am very pleased with the arrival of Richard,” said Tom Wolverton, board president of the Mount St. Helens Institute. “Richard is a builder, collaborator and proven fundraiser — an ideal combination of traits that will allow the institute to evolve and grow as we perfect and develop learning, exploration and volunteer programs around the volcano. I look forward to working with Richard and the board to develop a clear and compelling vision for the evolution of the MSHI in the coming years.”
Meyer holds a master’s degree in regional and city planning, with continuing education in American government, nonprofit organization management and conservation policy.
He has 16 years of nonprofit management experience, including six years as executive director of the Portland Audubon Society, where he expanded the education programs and funding significantly. He was executive director for the Association of Oregon Community Development Organizations and on the Burnside Community Council in Portland, according to the institute.
He brings a deep commitment to environmental science, economic and environmental justice and a belief that outdoor experiences are the best way to grow and change minds about nature, place and sustainable living in our volatile world, Amy Tanska, director of volunteer services, said in a release.
The Mount St. Helens Institute’s mission is to inspire stewardship, promote science education and foster appreciation for the Mount St. Helens volcanic landscape, according to the institute.
For more information, visit mshinstitute.org or call 360-449-7883.
