FOLAR Board Chair, Sam Hayes, and Wendy Austin at the 16TH annual Paddle Battle on the Appomattox River. Photo by Sidd Kumar.
After a decade of service with the Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR), Wendy Austin will step down as Executive Director in early 2025.
When Wendy was hired in 2015; she was the first and only employee. During Wendy’s tenure, and in partnership with the Board of Directors and staff, now four, FOLAR has grown as an organization to deliver expanded services and impact, celebrating many accomplishments and partnerships including development of the 25-mile Appomattox River Trail and Signage Master Plan and logo brand with support from The Cameron Foundation, launch of the Invasive Plant Management and River Stewardship program through support from the Virginia Department of Forestry, establishment of the FOLAR Environmental Stewardship Scholarship with Reiko and Victor Liu and the John Randolph Foundation, expansion of conserved land in the Appomattox River corridor, and FOLAR’s transformational move this year to the Appomattox River Center with the help of many FOLAR members, donors, and volunteers. Many more partners and programs have been vital to FOLAR’s successful impact for the region during Wendy’s time at FOLAR.
Wendy’s focus on innovation and collaboration has led FOLAR through development of several organizational planning processes including Standards of Excellence, strategic planning, board development, and rebranding to its current recognizable logo.
Wendy has “played a critical role in the growth and transformation of FOLAR,” said Board Chairman Sam Hayes. “We are grateful for Wendy’s years of dedication and collaboration, which has helped FOLAR strengthen.”
“It’s sincerely been one of the best 10 years of my professional life. Together, the board and staff and our supporters have built a strong, vibrant, and leading organization that will continue to thrive and see enduring success,” said Wendy. “FOLAR has an exceptional and committed team, I’m grateful for their support and I will be fully engaged and look forward to working with everyone to help with the transition.”
A search for the next executive director is underway. Hayes said, “the board aims to facilitate the smooth transition” to the next phase of FOLAR’s work toward our vision of a welcoming Blueway-Greenway of extraordinary beauty and cultural richness that forever connects nature, people, and vibrant communities.”
The FOLAR Board has engaged the HR firm, Marked by Excellence, to help with connecting and onboarding the next executive director for FOLAR. For more information, please view this job posting flyer.
