Meet Christine Herlin
After my recent “end of year/ new year” reflection piece, where I kept coming back to one simple truth: this work only moves forward because of the people who show up every day with care, creativity, and courage, many of you asked me to highlight the people of our mission in action.
That’s why I’m excited to begin Our Mission in Action: The People Series by highlighting Christine Herlin. Of all the people currently connected to the CRA mission, I’ve known Christine the longest and have worked with her the most closely. Christine is our Development & Communications Director, but the title does not fully capture her impact. Christine builds connections—between people and purpose, between generosity and action, between today’s efforts and our River’s future.
Christine leading a team with Oracle as part of their standup paddleboard cleanup event on Lake Austin, May 2025.
Her career has been shaped by years of listening thoughtfully; listening to nonprofits, fundraisers, volunteers, and donors—learning not just what motivates people to give, but what helps them feel connected, valued, and inspired.
At CRA, Christine leads our development strategy with heart. She oversees an $800,000 annual fundraising plan, cultivates relationships with individuals, foundations, corporations, and government partners, and ensures that our stewardship reflects our values. The results of her leadership are impressive—but it’s how she gets there that I most admire.
Christine approaches fundraising as an invitation, not a transaction. Whether she’s standing with volunteers at a creek cleanup, welcoming first-time donors at Cocktails for the Colorado, or talking with neighbors about their hopes for the River at Mozart’s, she meets people; she listens; she connects. And she helps people see how they are part of protecting something they love.
Christine is creative, thoughtful, and deeply collaborative. She takes ownership of ambitious goals—launching new River Society programming, expanding engagement, and growing our capacity—while always keeping the mission front and center. As an example, check out this amazing Mission Moment Video. She brings a steady optimism to complex work.
Christine also exemplifies our core values in action:
- Environmental Stewardship, through her ability to connect funding and engagement directly to long-term river health.
- Teamwork & Community Collaboration, through partnerships that invite volunteers, donors, and corporate teams into meaningful, hands-on experiences.
- Can-Do Leadership, through her willingness to take initiative, solve problems creatively, and keep momentum moving forward—even when the path isn’t fully defined.
Earlier this year, I had the honor of nominating Christine for the Beth Krueger Emerging Leader Scholarship through AFP Greater Austin. In that nomination, I wrote about her optimism, warmth, and collaborative leadership—and how much our sector needs more leaders like her. Christine represents the best of this new phase of nonprofit leadership: grounded, generous, and deeply human.
As we begin this People Series, it feels right to start here. To honor and appreciate Christine! Christine’s success is not just her own; it reflects the culture we’re building together at CRA—one rooted in teamwork, kindness, openness, and shared purpose.
More stories to come. The people are the mission in action.
Adrienne Longenecker, CFRE
Executive Director
