Rock Creek Conservancy Appoints Matthew Fleischer as Executive Director

BETHESDA, MD--(Marketwired - Feb 12, 2014) - Rock Creek Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the lands and waters of Rock Creek Park, today announced the appointment of Matthew C. Fleischer as the Conservancy's new executive director.

Fleischer is tasked with growing the organization's resource development efforts and expanding the group's donor base to increase its impact and support new conservation initiatives. In addition, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization.

Rock Creek Conservancy protects the lands and waters of Rock Creek Park and revitalizes this national park for people to treasure and enjoy. The creek meanders 33 miles through the Washington, DC metropolitan area, crossing federal lands as well as district, city, county and state boundaries. Although parkland borders much of the creek, the surrounding development and invasive species threaten the health and beauty of these natural areas.

"Rock Creek Conservancy is uniquely positioned to foster outreach, education and protection efforts to overcome threats to Rock Creek and the watershed," said Fleischer. "I'm eager to extend our strategy of partnering with government agencies, other non-profit organizations, businesses, institutions, community groups, and residents to work together to preserve Rock Creek Park for present and future generations."

Fleischer's public debut with the organization took place last weekend when he oversaw a successful event in which Rock Creek Conservancy volunteers and supporters turned out to help beautify Melvin C. Hazen Park, a section of Rock Creek Park, by clearing invasive ivy. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell was among the volunteers on hand for the event.

"We're excited to have Matt join the Conservancy to help us expand the organization and organize to celebrate the 125th birthday of Rock Creek Park in 2015," said Barbara Elkus, president of the board of directors for Rock Creek Conservancy. "We were struck by Matt's background, energy and enthusiasm for our mission."

Prior to joining Rock Creek Conservancy, Fleischer was the president of a Silver Spring, Maryland, mission-based beverage company that gave a portion of all sales to support local firefighter burn centers and hospitals. Fleischer started the company from the ground up, raising more than $5 million and building the company to almost $7 million in revenue. He earned his undergraduate degree from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and an MBA degree from the University of Maryland, Smith School of Business.

About Rock Creek Conservancy
Rock Creek Conservancy protects the lands and waters of Rock Creek and revitalizes Rock Creek Park for people to treasure and enjoy. Rock Creek Conservancy is recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization and is a member of the Bethesda Green consortium. For more information, please go to www.rockcreekconservancy.org.