American Rivers welcomes Kyle Smith as Snake River Director
August 4, 2022
Contact: Amy Souers Kober, 503-708-1145
American Rivers announced today that Kyle Smith will join the organization as its new Snake River director. The new position demonstrates the organization’s strong commitment to advancing solutions for the Snake River that recover salmon runs, honor treaties and commitments with Tribal Nations, invest in clean energy and agriculture, and strengthen communities across the Northwest.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kyle to American Rivers,” said Heather Taylor-Miesle, Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Regional Conservation at American Rivers. “With his strong personal ties to the Snake River and its communities, and his extensive expertise building partnerships for conservation, Kyle is a tremendous addition to our Northwest regional team, and the Snake River campaign.”
Smith grew up in and around the Snake River watershed. He has a deep connection to the river and understands the costs and benefits that the four federal dams on the lower Snake have brought to the region. An avid hunter and angler, he is passionate about finding durable salmon recovery and river restoration solutions.
Most recently, Smith served as the Community Engagement Coordinator for State Forests for the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), where he played a senior leadership role creating strategies to improve outreach and strengthen partnerships, and co-chaired ODF’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council. Before that, Kyle was Oregon Field Coordinator with Trout Unlimited, working with industry, businesses, elected leaders, anglers, farmers and ranchers to develop and implement long-term plans to conserve native fish habitat.
He received a Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science, and Regional Planning from Washington State University. He has a Master of Public Administration, Environmental Science and Policy, from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, and he received a Doctor of Jurisprudence from University of Oregon School of Law.
“I’m honored to join the team at American Rivers to work on what I see as the most important and exciting river restoration opportunity in the country,” said Smith. “I look forward to learning from Tribes and other leaders who have been at the forefront of Snake River salmon recovery efforts for decades, as well as the communities, businesses, anglers and farmers who all have a vital stake in this river’s future. I’m ready to get to work.”
Smith will start at American Rivers on August 10.
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
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