American Rivers announces Heather Taylor-Miesle as Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Regional Conservation
February 9, 2022
Contact: Amy Souers Kober, 503-708-1145
American Rivers announced today that Heather Taylor-Miesle will join the organization as its new Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Regional Conservation. Throughout her career, she has built diverse coalitions and strategic partnerships and led successful campaigns for rivers and communities.
“Heather is an outstanding addition to American Rivers and I am thrilled to welcome her to our growing team,” said Tom Kiernan, President and CEO of American Rivers. “Her proven policy experience and strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion will be keys to strengthening our regional conservation strategy, building a powerful river movement, and increasing our impact for healthy rivers and clean water.”
For the past six years, Taylor-Miesle served as Executive Director of the Ohio Environmental Council, and President of OEC Action Fund. There, she engaged frontline partners, businesses, agricultural interests and other stakeholders in efforts to reduce pollution. She also negotiated federal and state legislation, including serving as lead negotiator for a Constitutional amendment to end gerrymandering in Ohio. Prior to that, Taylor-Miesle served as Founding Director of the NRDC Action Fund, where she grew the organization into a recognized powerhouse in advocacy campaigns.
She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Marietta College, and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
“Rivers flow through the heart of our nation’s biggest challenges, from climate change to injustice to biodiversity loss. Rivers can also be the source of transformational solutions for people and the environment,” said Taylor-Miesle. “That’s why I’m so energized to take on this new role at American Rivers. With our talented staff and fantastic partners, we’re going to aim high and I know we will achieve big, ambitious goals.”
Taylor-Miesle will start at American Rivers on April 4. The search was led by Isaacson Miller.
About American Rivers
American Rivers believes a future of clean water and healthy rivers for everyone, everywhere is essential. Since 1973, we have protected wild rivers, restored damaged rivers and conserved clean water for people and nature. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., and 300,000 supporters, members and volunteers across the country, we are the most trusted and influential river conservation organization in the United States, delivering solutions for a better future. Because life needs rivers. www.AmericanRivers.org