Reflections from the Executive Director
In the past hour, I have received three emails from executive directors of nonprofit organizations I support. Perhaps this is because the days between a major holiday and the end of the calendar year provide just enough space and time for deep reflection and gratitude.
That’s how I spent my morning; thinking about how much I have to be thankful for, which has brought me to my computer and writing this letter to you. I want to share with you that although CRA is facing some philanthropic headwinds, like many nonprofits these days, we aren’t slowing down or shrinking. We are growing with intention and creativity deeply rooted in our values; growth that is only possible because of the incredible team of people that are CRA.
When people ask me about my job, and what makes being the Executive Director of the Colorado River Alliance such a meaningful role (a role that makes me want to spend a holiday crafting a letter to you and figuring out just enough about Mailchimp to send it to you!), I don’t start with our programs, our numbers, or even our impact—though all of those matter deeply. I start with our people.
As one calendar year ends and another begins, I find myself reflecting on the fact that Jan 3, 2026, marks my five-year anniversary as the Executive Director of CRA. This role is my first opportunity to be an executive director, and my favorite role so far in my career. Throughout the past five years, I’ve been on a path to identify the values and culture of CRA that attracted this incredible group of people together.
CRA’s staff team is special because of a shared understanding that protecting the Texas Colorado River is both a responsibility and a privilege. River stewardship isn’t just our mission—it is a shared value. Every cleanup, every STEM lesson, every gallon of water conserved reflects a collective commitment to ensuring this river thrives for generations to come. What inspires me most is that this value is lived daily, in big visible ways and in quiet, thoughtful choices behind the scenes.
I see this value expressed across our staff and beyond; through volunteers pulling trash from creeks, interns sparking curiosity in the Mobile River, staff making thoughtful choices about how resources are used, and our Board of Directors showing up again and again for the river. What gives me confidence in our work is knowing that commitment to river stewardship is deeply rooted across the organization.
Equally central to who we are and what makes this team so special, is how we value teamwork and community collaboration. Again and again, I hear staff, board members, donors, interns, and volunteers describe CRA as welcoming, joyful, and deeply collaborative.
That is not accidental. I have intentionally led with the belief that everyone pitches in and success is shared. I believe the best solutions emerge when people feel trusted, included, and connected to one another. This belief is illustrated in how we plan, how we communicate, and how we show up for our communities. Staff, board members, donors, interns, volunteers, and partners all play meaningful roles in shaping our impact.
I am also incredibly proud of our “can-do leadership” culture—a mindset rooted in ambition, adaptability, and ownership. We are a small but mighty staff team, and our ability to say “yes” to meaningful challenges, to learn as we go, and to keep moving forward with optimism is one of our greatest strengths. This doesn’t mean we ignore limits; it means we approach complexity with creativity and determination. It means we tackle the first hurdle, together.
We are adaptable, resourceful, and optimistic by design. We meet challenges with adaptability and ownership, continually asking how we can increase our impact while staying true to our values. This mindset has allowed us to expand our reach, deepen the impact of our programs, and respond thoughtfully to the evolving needs of the river and the communities that depend on it.
As Executive Director, my role is to listen carefully, to create clarity, and to ensure our values guide how decisions are made. As a leader, I also see my role as one to care for the people who are the mission in action, as well as to care for the long-term sustainability of the organization. Whether we are navigating growth, responding to challenges, or celebrating success, my goal is to ensure that decisions are grounded in our values and shared openly. Strong leadership, in my experience, is less about having all the answers and more about creating the conditions for people to do their best work together.
Looking ahead, I am deeply confident in CRA’s future. Our momentum is driven by passionate staff, dedicated interns, committed board members, and generous supporters who believe in this mission. Have you seen Mikah, Max, Laura, and Nick’s stories on our Instagram? Together, we are protecting our river, cultivating the next generation of river stewards, and strengthening the communities connected by this watershed.
Thank you. Your trust and investment in our team and our work are deeply appreciated. We are proud to be stewards of your support and grateful to walk alongside you as we build a future where the Colorado River continues to flow strongly for all of us.
If you made it this far in the letter, I’d love to hear from you! Let me know what resonated with you. As we end 2025 and begin 2026, I am sending you warm wishes of joy, health, and prosperity.
Adrienne Longenecker, CFRE
Executive Director
