Chris Herndon of Cary is the new director of the North Carolina chapter of the Sierra Club.
The Raleigh-based nonprofit organization, which advocates for a clean, healthy environment and the well-being of all who live in it, made the announcement Wednesday.
Sponsor Spotlight
Herndon, who has spent most of the past 12 years in executive leadership roles with the United Way, comes most recently from United Way of the Greater Triangle, where he was CEO. He also served as interim executive director of WakeUP Wake County.
Previously, he was chief marketing and engagement officer at United Way of Central Indiana in Indianapolis, and served on the United Way Worldwide Marketing Leadership Council.
The NC Sierra Club said Herndon, who moved to North Carolina in 2019, was a respected nonprofit leader in the Triangle.
“The work of the N.C. Chapter is more crucial than ever as climate change increasingly threatens our environment and communities. Our children and grandchildren’s futures depend on how effectively we meet this challenge,” Herndon said in a statement. “I’m eager to help protect marginalized communities from polluters in rural and urban areas, safeguard biodiversity and public lands, celebrate our connection to the natural world, and elect and hold accountable leaders at all levels of government who share these values.”
Herndon’s responsibilities include guiding staff and volunteers and working with Sierra Club national staff working in the state and region on environmental policies, priorities, and objectives set by the chapter’s elected volunteer leadership.
Sponsor Spotlight
“The Executive Committee is glad to put our trust in Chris to steward this organization into its next era in collaboration with our volunteer leaders and staff,” Chapter Chair Katie Tomberlin said in the announcement. “The Sierra Club’s work is more essential than ever, and we’re happy to have a proven leader to bring new energy, ideas and commitment to our mission.”
Prior to beginning his nonprofit career, Herndon spent 16 years as a sports executive in Indianapolis.
Herndon currently chairs Cary’s Greenway Committee, is a member of the Cary Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board and a member of the Dix Park Community Committee. He also serves as a board member for WakeUP Wake County.
“I couldn’t be more excited to serve the North Carolina community I love in this way,” Herndon said. “I’m especially eager to amplify the power of the N.C. Sierra Club’s passionate members to defend everyone’s right to a healthy world.”
The national Sierra Club, now more than 125 years old, works to “defend everyone’s right to a healthy world,” according to its website.
