This month, CalWild welcomes its new Executive Director: Chris Morrill. Chris has spent the past couple of years working as CalWild’s Communications Director. He has worked hard to improve CalWild’s engagement with our supporters, including managing social media campaigns and re-starting our monthly newsletter. Through Chris’ leadership, the organization has continued to increase our online advocacy work and effectiveness. Chris has also been one of the driving forces in building CalWild’s defensive work challenging the extreme measures coming from the Trump administration and Congress.
Last year, Chris helped organize our 40th Anniversary Dinner in Berkeley, which helped reconnect many long-time supporters and advocates to the organization. This was particularly special for Chris as it allowed him to work closely with his dad, Don, who was one of the founders of the organization back in 1976.
Chris is looking forward to increasing CalWild’s work on many different issues impacting California’s public lands. As a former campaign manager and operative on a number of advocacy and candidate campaigns at the national, state, and local levels, Chris brings a perspective that is likely to be very helpful in this new political climate. His work has included time with Tuleyome protecting Cache Creek as a state Wild & Scenic River, and a statewide clean money campaign for the California League of Conservation Voters.
“I couldn’t be more excited to support CalWild’s amazing program staff. Having that opportunity and knowing what CalWild is possible of achieving, I am really motivated to get to work. I appreciate the board putting their faith in me and look forward to working with them closely,” Chris said about his new role.
Currently, Chris resides in Oakland with his wife, Kate, and two year-old son, Caleb. His favorite outdoor activities include hiking and camping in the Northern Sierras and the northwest coast where he has lots of extended family. He is excited to explore all the corners of the state that CalWild is working to protect.
