Press release from RiverLink:
(ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Aug. 8, 2016) – After 30 years as the Voice of the River, Asheville-based RiverLink will have a new leader. Garrett Artz, co-founder of Connect Enka, a walking and biking advocacy group in Enka-Candler, will take over as Executive Director. Current longtime Executive Director and Founder, Karen Cragnolin, is retiring but will serve as a consultant for strategic property transitions.
“I am honored to join a dedicated board, staff and volunteers working to make the river a place where people want to live, learn, work and play,” said Artz. “I am humbled to carry forward the bold vision set by great community leaders like Wilma Dykeman, Jean Webb, and Karen Cragnolin.”
Following complications of surgery, Cragnolin announced in May that she would step down as soon as a new executive director was hired. Artz will take the reins on September 1.
“I am thankful to RiverLink’s donors, volunteers, staff and our community for the support RiverLink and I have had and I am proud of what we have accomplished together,” said Cragnolin. “The organization will be in good hands and poised for many further accomplishments under Garrett’s leadership.” To learn more about RiverLink’s accomplishments to date, visit http://riverlink.org/conserve/success-stories/.
“We are thankful to Karen for her vision and leadership these past 30 years, and are fortunate to have her continue sharing her expertise with RiverLink in her new role,” said Esther Cartwright, Chair, RiverLink Board of Directors. “We are excited to continue RiverLink’s mission of spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River and its tributaries as a place to live, learn, work and play with Garrett at the helm. He brings a wealth of organizational and strategic planning skills along with a passion for the environment and the outdoors.”
Artz is a native of a small, rural town in Pennsylvania. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and Navy Flight Training as a designated Naval Aviator. He served 10 years on active duty as a senior manager, instructor pilot and helicopter aircraft commander. He moved with his family to Asheville in 2008 after graduating from NC Central School of Law. He began his legal career at Pisgah Legal Services and later as corporate counsel for Mills Manufacturing. In 2014, he left Mills Manufacturing and co-founded Connect Enka, a walking and biking advocacy group working to make the area along Hominy Creek and Enka Commerce Center safe and friendly to bicyclists and pedestrians. He continues to serve the community as a member of the Mountain Area Volunteer Lawyers, Pro Bono Committee Chair for the local bar, and as a League Cycling Instructor. He is married to Dr. Evelyn (Ebby) Artz, a pediatric endocrinologist at Mission Hospital and is the proud father of 2 boys and a girl. His hobbies include biking, hiking, paddling and camping in the local mountains with his family.
To make a donation in honor of Karen’s legacy, please visit http://riverlink.org/ and click on “Donate.” Your tax deductible donation will help empower RiverLink to provide environmental education to 5,000 K-12 students each year, provide 6 free live concerts in the River Arts District, implement water quality projects, including stream restorations, stormwater BMPs (Best Management Practices), and low impact development, provide assistance to homeowners in understanding rainwater management, and continue protecting land forever as an urban land trust and conservation accredited agency.
ABOUT RIVERLINK
Located in Asheville’s River Arts District, RiverLink is a regional organization spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River watershed as a destination where everyone can live, learn, work and play.
RiverLink was born in 1987 of simultaneous efforts to address water quality concerns throughout the French Broad River basin, expand public opportunities for access and recreation, and spearhead the economic revitalization of Asheville’s dilapidated riverfront district. RiverLink focuses on issues that directly impact the environmental health of the region’s rivers and streams and the growth and sustainability of our economy.
For more information about how you can get involved, see our Web site: www.riverlink.org, or contact us at information@riverlink.org or by phone at 252-8474.
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