American Rivers Welcomes Brian Kurzel as New Vice President of Regions 

Contact: Hawk Hammer, National Communications and Media Director, Hhammer@americanrivers.org 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – American Rivers is pleased to announce that Brian Kurzel has joined the organization as our new Vice President of Regions. Kurzel brings decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and conservation and will oversee our growing project workload and political advocacy across the country.  

“How our nation manages and protects our clean water resources will be a defining issue of this and future generations,” said Heather Taylor-Miesle, Senior Vice President of Conservation for American Rivers. “American Rivers and our staff are dedicated and determined that this be done right, responsibly, and with future generations in mind. We are thrilled to continue to grow our influence and impact as we welcome Brian on board at this pivotal time. Brian brings deep experience and the expertise to help our regional programs make an even bigger impact on rivers and communities”. 

Kurzel comes to American Rivers from the National Wildlife Federation, where he served as Regional Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Region. Prior to that, he served in various roles at Colorado Parks and Wildlife.  

“Rivers are the lifeblood of America’s communities and treasured resources. I am excited to join American Rivers and its incredible staff as we work with our partners across the nation to protect and restore rivers,” said Kurzel. “I’m honored to join the efforts to build a movement for rivers at this critical time. Our future generations depend on smart stewardship of our country’s clean water.” 

Kurzel earned an undergraduate degree in Ecology from Cornell University and holds a Master’s in Biogeography from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

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American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 4.4 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and the strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers®. AmericanRivers.org