New leader hopes to build on organization’s ‘Connect to Something Greater’ message

Friends of the Riverfront, a pioneering non-profit organization working to build safe, clean and accessible riverfront trails as part of the Three River Heritage Trail system, announced today the appointment of Kelsey Ripper as its new Executive Director.

Ripper officially joins the staff of Friends of the Riverfront after serving as Vice President of the organization’s Board of Directors. While serving on Friends’ board, professionally she worked as a Director for the Microenterprise Project for Volunteers of Legal Service in New York City. There she led a team of attorneys and volunteers to provide legal services to more than 200 under-resourced small businesses and non-profits each year.

“I’ve always loved helping non-profits grow to their full potential,” said Ripper. “Friends provides our entire region access to our riverfronts and all the wonderful things they do like connecting communities, improving quality of life and building vibrant economies for the towns surrounding our trails. I can’t wait to get to work maintaining our existing trails — and building new ones.”

Ripper’s legal expertise in entity formation, corporate governance, contracts, intellectual property, employment law, and commercial leasing, and extensive work in the non-profit space make her an ideal fit for helping Friends trail development goals.

“Kelsey brings people together to make things happen,” said Stacey Vernallis, President, Board of Directors, Friends of the Riverfront. “Her collaborative approach to leadership is what made her stand out in a field of incredibly talented candidates. We look forward to working with Kelsey to continue our mission to protect and restore our trails and riverfronts.”

Ripper earned her law degree (J.D.) from Fordham University School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies & American Studies from Fordham.

For Media Inquires:

Dan Ayer

412.874.5256

dan.ayer@fieldgeneral.co