May 17, 2023 [Boulder, Colorado] – River Network is honored and pleased to announce that, after a meticulous national search, Raj Shukla will be joining the organization as its next President and CEO. His first day will be Tuesday, June 20, and he will be working primarily from his home office in Madison, Wisconsin. 

Shukla is an innovator and leader in the realms of river and drinking water protection and water justice. He knows the network and the organization, having led The River Alliance of Wisconsin and recently serving on the River Network Board of Directors. Currently Midwest Director of Freshwater Policy for The Nature Conservancy, Raj’s environmental background spans grassroots advocacy, corporate engagement, and online technology.

“We are excited by Raj’s infectious passion for the organization and the role of the network, skills in fundraising, expertise in implementing equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice values, and his approach to telling our unique story,” said River Network Board Chair Jumana Vasi. 

“I owe a career in conservation to River Network, and I am grateful for the chance to grow our community of water, climate and river leaders. The world needs local river advocates to guide communities through the climate crisis, and toward a future with abundant clean water for all people and nature. The world needs River Network, and I am excited to get to work,” said Shukla. 

Raj’s leadership will take River Network to new levels of impact by amplifying the strengths of local partners and the organization’s biggest asset: a strong, dedicated, and talented staff. 

“As a member of the Search Committee, I felt Raj’s passion from the start,” shared River Network Vice President of Philanthropy Lisa Runkel. “During this period of transition our team has implemented and leaned on a shared leadership model, thanks to the strength of our entire staff. Raj brings another unique perspective, a caring spirit, and a wealth of creativity to our team and will only enhance the leaders among our staff. We are thrilled to have him join us!” 

River Network looks eagerly toward the rest of its 35th year and beyond with Shukla in the CEO position, building on the organization’s—and the entire network’s—dedication to the health of water across the US and the many people who call it home. 

Read Shukla’s full bio on the River Network website.  

For media requests, please contact Amy Boal.

About River Network 
River Network is the foremost national nonprofit connecting and strengthening water, justice, and river advocates to support healthy rivers, safe and affordable drinking water, and climate-resilient communities across the United States. Today, our national network includes over 2,200 individual members representing 750 organizations working to ensure abundant clean water for all people and nature to thrive. We envision a powerful and inclusive movement that ensures abundant clean water for all people and nature to thrive.