The group 1,000 Friends of Florida has chosen a Delray Beach leader as its next president. Ryan Smart started his new post this Monday.
Prior to joining the livable community advocacy group, Smart managed the florida Conservation Coalition working on springs protection and water conservation issues. During his two and a half years with that group, Smart gathered more than 50 organizations from across the state to join the coalition.
“Ryan has built the FCC into a recognized statewide voice,” says Vicki Tschinkel, Vice Chair of 1000 Friends. “Thanks to his grassroots organizing skills, thousands turned out for Speak Up Wekiva, a day-long call to action to protect and restore this impaired river.”
“We are pleased to welcome Ryan to the team,” 1,000 Friends chair Tim Jackson said. “With his strong track record of coalition building and grassroots organizing, Ryan has the skills needed to develop new constituencies for our mission. He will jump start our reinvigorated focus on managing our state’s water resources, including our springs, and strengthening the resiliency of coastal infrastructure.”
Smart joins 1000 Friends Policy Director Charles Pattison, Affordable Housing Director Jaimie Ross, Communications Director Vivian Young and Executive Assistant Kathleen Morris at the group’s Tallahassee office.
Smart also served as Program and Special Project Director with the Consumer Credit Housing Services of Delray Beach where he assisted with securing and administering a HUD grant for a housing counseling program. Smart holds a Masters of Public Affairs with an emphasis on Florida environmental policy from the University of Florida.
