This fall brought not only a shift in season, but also a shift in leadership here at Vermont River Conservancy. Embracing a shared leadership model allows us to puts collaboration – a value that VRC has embraced since its founding 27 years ago – at the center of all we do.
In that spirit, we’re thrilled to introduce our new Co-Directors:
Kassia Randzio, Development and Operations Director
Kassia joined Vermont River Conservancy in 2021, bringing with her nearly two decades of experience at state and national conservation nonprofits, where she’s worked to inspire people to invest in protected lands and waters. As development and operations director, she leads efforts that make each of our conservation successes possible — from writing grants to secure funds for dam removal, to connecting donors with opportunities to protect riverside wetlands and forests, to overseeing the organizational systems that support all we do. Across our communications, Kassia helps share the stories of our projects and the impact Vermont River Conservancy has on waterways, wildlife, and communities.
Kassia’s basecamp is in Montpelier, VT, from where she heads out paddling, backpacking, XC skiing, and traveling, getting to know some of the world’s wildest places alongside her partner, 6-year-old daughter, and black lab.
Erin De Vries, Conservation Director
On the heels of a 1-year contract overseeing stewardship of Vermont River Conservancy’s 80+ easements, Erin joined our staff in spring 2022. Not only does she know each of our conservation sites personally, she brings deep knowledge of Vermont waters and watersheds. Her career has included roles as state wetlands ecologist, watershed and lake education coordinator, and clean and resilient marina consultant. She’s a people person dedicated to building awareness and partnerships that benefit communities and their health, our environment, and the economy. As Conservation Director, Erin leads design and implementation of easements and acquisitions, oversees monitoring and stewardship efforts, and shapes river restoration projects.
Erin lives in Essex, VT, with her partner and two active and curious kids. Erin and her family love to hike, explore swimming holes, cook with friends, bake pies, and travel.