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GRP's New Executive Director

By Jace Besold on February 29, 2024

Introducing Green River Preserve’s New Executive Director: Catherine Schenck!

Green River Preserve is thrilled to introduce the camp community to its new Executive Director, Catherine Schenck! After a competitive open search and multi-stage interview process, Catherine soared above and beyond the other candidates. Catherine has previously served as the Director Education and Outreach, including directing the School of Environmental Education, as well as having an active role in running programs throughout the year. The Green River Preserve Board of Directors is confident Catherine is well-prepared to lead Green River Preserve into a new season.

The Search Committee selected Catherine from a competitive pool of applicants based on her educational experience, knowledge of GRP, and her strong commitment to the mission of Green River Preserve. Dr. Chris Paul, Board Executive Member and Chair of the Search Committee, shared “Our camp community knows Catherine well, and her passion for GRP makes her a natural choice. Catherine brings outstanding experience, strong credentials in both education and non-profit management, cutting-edge strategic thinking, and a deep passion for Green River Preserve’s mission to inspire environmental stewards through a joyful connection to nature.”

Catherine holds a Master of Public Administration from Western Carolina University with a focus on Nonprofits, and a Bachelor of Arts from UNC-Chapel Hill. In addition to her five years of leadership experience at Green River Preserve, she also has four years of classroom-based teaching experience. Catherine is an American Camping Association Associate Site Visitor and holds broad certifications in safety, first aid, mental health, lifeguarding, and is a Wilderness First Responder. Outside of camp, Catherine enjoys being outdoors with her dog Rosco, playing pickleball, and serves as a Board Member of the Trout Unlimited Headwaters Board.

Catherine says “I am excited to begin this new role at GRP. I look forward to connecting with our parents, campers, staff and alumni and developing programs that will further enhance our campers’ joyful connections with nature while honoring the programs and traditions that make GRP the enriching and fun camp that it is.”

During the winter, Catherine and the entire staff of GRP have worked hard to ensure not only a smooth leadership transition but also an exciting 36th summer of new adventures.
We cannot wait to see you at camp!

Jace Besold
Jace Besold

Wanting to share his passion for outdoor exploration with young minds, Jace first came to GRP in 2013 as a cabin counselor. Since then, he has filled many roles within our organization, including several years as a leader for Blue Ridge Expeditions. He found these connections to be especially profound and was itching to learn all that he could about the “behind the scenes” magic of the natural world. This led him back to school to obtain a B.S. in Biology from Appalachian State University with a focus on ecology, evolution, and environmental science. He is especially fond of plants, insects, and the interactions that occur between these two kingdoms of life.