The New River Conservancy (NRC) is proud to introduce you to one of their new board members, Andy Davis. Davis grew up in Georgia where the Appalachian foothills often served as a secondary classroom. After studying Environmental Sciences at Georgia College and working with local environmentally focused nonprofits, Davis moved to West Virginia which had become a “home away from home” after previously spending a summer working as a whitewater guide on the New River in between college semesters.
Davis volunteered through AmeriCorps VISTA with Active Southern West Virginia and his passion for civic engagement and collaborative planning led him to pursue a graduate degree in Municipal and Environmental Sustainability at Indiana University. He now serves as the Director of Strategic Redevelopment for the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority in Beckley, WV.
Davis says “The New River Gorge is where I learned two important life lessons while training to be a raft guide. The first was how to read water – understanding the principles of its flow over land and the hazards it can present. The second was the nuance of successful interpersonal communication – learning from more experienced guides and river staff how to foster enjoyment among guests through genuine and intentional human connections.”
When asked what is his favorite part of the New River, he says “My favorite part of the New River is more a moment than a location – it’s getting to witness people connecting with the river by recognizing how the river connects every place it flows through.”
Andrew Downs, executive director for NRC welcomes Davis with “We look forward to working with Andy and utilizing his background in sustainable development as we protect the New River and support the communities that rely on it in the Gorge, in West Virginia and throughout the watershed.“
The New River Conservancy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has worked every day since the early 1970’s to protect the woods, waters and wildlife of the iconic New River and its watershed. Donations are welcome and tax deductible. For more information, please visit their website at newriverconservancy.org, or any of their social media pages.
