After an extensive nationwide search, TreeFolks, Austin and Central Texas’ urban forestry nonprofit, announced Tom Spencer will be the next executive director beginning June 5.
TreeFolks have been working with Hays County since 2015, after the Memorial Day Weekend Flood, to replant trees and other vegetation along the banks of the Blanco River in an attempt to restore and protect the riparian areas and improve water quality in the river.
Spencer’s leadership in the environmental community spans over three decades. His background includes serving as CEO of Interfaith Action of Central Texas, executive director of I Live Here, I Give Here, producer of public affairs programming for KLRU-TV, and most recently as the program director of the Texas Living Waters Project. Others may know him as the television host of the Emmy Award Winning KLRU-TV program “Central Texas Gardener” or the KLBJ radio host of the “Wildflower Hour.”
President of TreeFolks Board of Directors Rich DePalma, says he is excited for the future of the nonprofit under Spencer’s leadership.
“The board is ecstatic that Tom will be leading the organization as our new executive director. He is the right person at the right time,” said DePalma. “His knowledge, experience, and personality will move Tree-Folks forward in building our community through the restoration of our Central Texas urban forest and addressing climate-resiliency. This is an exciting time for our community and for TreeFolks.”
The leadership transition comes on the cusp of TreeFolks’ 30th anniversary in August. Founded by a group of dedicated Austinites in 1989, TreeFolks started as a small organization focused on planting trees in downtown Austin. Since that time, their mission has grown to include tree planting across Central Texas, restoration of our forests and waterways, youth and adult education, advocacy and providing vital conservation resources to the community.
Spencer said he looks forward to taking on the role of advocating for TreeFolks’ work around Central Texas.
“I am very grateful to the National Wildlife Federation, for the tremendous experiences of the past three and a half years. However, this new opportunity feels like coming home,” Spencer said. “In the coming years, I hope that you will join me and the TreeFolks team in our tremendous and hopeful work.”
For more information about TreeFolks, visit their website.
