Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (FONC) has named Chris Smith as the group’s new executive director, effective Aug. 1.
Smith, a former board president and longtime member of the organization, brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership, marketing and strategic planning to the position, FONC said in a news release.
“With her conservation mindset and a career that has been nature-focused for the past two decades, Chris is the right person to help us elevate one of Fort Worth’s most beautiful hidden gems,” said Linda Christie, president of the FONC board. “Her hiring comes at a pivotal time for the Friends, as we embark on new long-term planning and fundraising initiatives and begin expanding a partnership with Nature Center Staff that will elevate both organizations’ missions and reach.”
Smith most recently served as vice president of marketing communications for Fort Worth Botanic Garden, where she built a high-performing marketing communications department and led a successful rebrand following the Botanic Garden’s 2020 merger with the Botanical Research Institute of Texas.
Smith earned an MBA from Texas Christian University and a master’s in environmental relations from the University of North Texas. She is a member of the Women’s Policy Forum and a former board president of the Greater Fort Worth Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
About Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge through advocacy and fundraising. In addition to providing funding for major capital projects and other needs, the Friends group offers Nature Center memberships.
About the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge encompasses more than 3,650 acres of forests, prairies, and wetlands, and is home to a bison herd and more than 20 miles of hiking trails. It is one of the largest municipally owned nature centers in the United States. The Nature Center is located at 9601 Fossil Ridge Road in Fort Worth. Admission is $6 for adults and $2 for children.
Information for this article was provided by Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center.
