The Board of Directors of 1000 Friends of Florida is pleased to announce the selection of Ryan Smart as the next President of the state's advocacy organization for livable communities.

"We are pleased to welcome Ryan to the team," says 1000 Friends Chairman Tim Jackson. "With his strong track record of coalition building and grassroots organizing, Ryan has the skills needed to develop new constituencies for our mission. He will jump start our reinvigorated focus on managing our state's water resources, including our springs, and strengthening the resiliency of coastal infrastructure." Ryan is joining 1000 Friends Policy Director Charles Pattison, Affordable Housing Director Jaimie Ross, Communications Director Vivian Young and Executive Assistant Kathleen Morris at the Tallahassee office.  Ryan starts his new position on Monday, December 1. 

For the past two-and-a-half years, Ryan managed the Florida Conservation Coalition (FCC), bringing much-needed attention to some of the most critical issues facing our state, from springs protection to water conservation. By the end of his tenure, Ryan Smart had encouraged more than 50 organizations around the state to join the coalition. "Ryan has built the FCC into a recognized statewide voice," says Vicki Tschinkel, Vice Chair of 1000 Friends. "Thanks to his grassroots organizing skills, thousands turned out for Speak Up Wekiva, a day-long call to action to protect and restore this impaired river."

Prior to his time at FCC, Ryan was a Program and Special Project Director with the Consumer Credit Housing Services of Delray Beach where he assisted with securing and administering a HUD grant for a housing counseling program. This 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization provides a variety of housing services to the local community. Ryan received his Masters of Public Affairs with an emphasis on Florida environmental policy from the University of Florida.