“The Board of Friends of Herring River is delighted to introduce and welcome Christa Drew as its new Executive Director. Christa was selected from an esteemed group of candidates for her strong commitment to improving the quality of life in a multitude of ways. We look forward to introducing Christa to the community throughout the year,” says Dale Rheault, Chair, Friend of Herring River.
“Christa is passionate and accomplished in leading groups in finding community-driven solutions, and we are delighted to have her steady hand as we move forward with the Herring River Restoration,” says Rheault.
Drew has spent her career generating high-impact relationships, providing strategic counsel, attaining resources, leading coalitions, and developing programs focused on systems and social change across a variety of sectors such as equitable community development, health, food systems, criminal & social justice and arts & culture.
Drew says, “I have loved the Herring River and its surroundings my whole life. I greatly value the opportunity to help support this dynamic project and to collaborate with such a talented group people. I am excited to lead this steadfast non-profit organization to define and activate its next chapter, including continued delivery of valuable restoration project support,”
She has served as an executive director, community organizer, co-founded two enduring social/criminal justice organizations, worked as an adjunct professor, and consulted. Her consulting clients have included , in part, the Kresge Foundation and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and federal agencies such as National Endowment for the Arts and United States Department of Agriculture.
Drew earned a Master’s in Public Policy & Administration (MPPA) from University of Massachusetts Amherst, on a full fellowship. A Bachelor’s degree in Nonviolent Conflict & Change, from Syracuse University, informed her earlier work in restorative justice, mediation and conflict transformation. Christa recently received a professional certificate in Creative Placemaking to lead community-engaged design through arts and culture. She currently serves on the Advisory Board for the Worcester Regional Food Hub. She loves living on Cape Cod where she leads an active and artful life with gratitude and joy.