Clearwater Executive Director Greg Williams
BEACON, NY – Hudson River Sloop Clearwater’s Board of Directors has named Greg Williams as the organization’s new Executive Director to lead the organization; Betsy Garthwaite, Board President, made the announcement today. As Clearwater’s Executive Director, Williams will be responsible for supervising all programs and operations, including developing and overseeing its strategic plans and fundraising goals. He will also work to further cultivate relationships with Hudson Valley partners and broaden both the base of support and the impact of Clearwater’s activities.
Williams has recently returned home to the Hudson Valley after thirty years of experience in building teams and improving communication among boards of directors, customers, vendors and investors. Williams’ formal education is in government, with a B.A. from Dartmouth College, and business administration, with an M.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign.
Returning to the Hudson Valley for Williams is a return to his roots, having grown up in Croton, NY attending Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival held annually at Croton Point Park. “I was reminded of the urgency of public service by Pete Seeger himself in 2008: After performing on the David Letterman Show, he told the audience that he wasn’t getting any younger, and that some of us would have to step forward to drive his causes beyond his life” said Williams. “Leading Clearwater represents an opportunity to answer Seeger’s call. I am thrilled by the opportunity to return to the Hudson River Valley, where I grew up, and to carry on the work started by Pete and Toshi Seeger, whose message and influence is just as relevant today.”
Williams will replace Acting Executive Director, Amy Larson Bonder who has kept the organization on course since September 2017. Bonder is also Clearwater’s Director of HR and Admin. As Acting Executive Director, Bonder oversaw the day to day operations of the organization, the sloop’s winter restoration, and successfully worked to ensure another successful Great Hudson River Revival music festival. Clearwater thanks Bonder for her 22 years of service to the organization, and commitment to the health of the Hudson River Valley.
Betsy Garthwaite, Clearwater’s Board Chair commented, “I am very excited to welcome aboard a leader with Greg’s capabilities as Executive Director. I look forward to working with him to strengthen this great organization and further its mission.”
