Introducing International Rivers' Next Executive Director

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Kate HornerKate HornerIISD Reporting Service

We’re thrilled to announce that after an extended search process, we have hired International Rivers’ next Executive Director: Kate Horner.

Kate Horner is a longtime environmental campaigner with a brilliant track record who combines strategic thinking with effective organizational management and fundraising. Since 2012, she has been Director of Forest Campaigns for the Washington DC-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA).

At EIA, Kate has built a dynamic, cohesive, and truly global team while leading strategic campaigns to save the world’s forests. She’s led her team through a period of ambitious growth that saw her staff nearly triple in size and expand into new regions around the world. She has extensive experience managing international campaigns staff.

Kate has a strong fundraising record, as well: During her tenure, her department’s budget grew from $1.5 million to $3.6 million annually. She also initiated a strategic grant-making program to strengthen partners in key countries and regions throughout Latin America, Africa and Asia.

In our meetings with her, Kate has demonstrated an excellent understanding of our issues, a willingness to listen and learn, and a subtle grasp of the complexities, challenges and opportunities in our work. She is passionate about water, energy and human rights issues, and will bring enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the organization. 

Kate says, “I am thrilled and honored to join International Rivers, an organization that has stood shoulder to shoulder with those on the frontlines of the struggle to protect our rivers, and time after time, won in the face of overwhelming odds.

“Daunting challenges face the world’s rivers, and International Rivers has the grit and courage to defend our rivers like no other. I look forward to continuing and growing this organization’s proud tradition of supporting our allies and holding governments and corporations accountable for the health of our rivers.”

International Rivers Board Chair Scott Spann says, “Kate’s rich array of proven leadership, management, communications and fundraising talents positions us perfectly for our next step forward. We deeply appreciate Kate’s commitment to lead International Rivers, and see her decision as the next step in our evolution as a nimble global organization that can respond to the unique needs of the rivers and communities we serve throughout the world.”

Kate will join us in the second half of August. Please join us in welcoming Kate!