Welcome to Riverbend's new Executive Director!

From David Copas, Chair, Board of Directors, Riverbend Environmental Education Center

I am very pleased to announce Erin Reilly’s selection as Riverbend’s new Executive Director. 

Erin joins us following her tenure as the founder and Executive leader of Theatre Horizon in Norristown.  Under Erin’s tenure, Theatre Horizon became a highly valuable contributor to the Philadelphia region, presenting an annual slate of compelling and award-winning theater productions.  In addition, Theatre Horizon developed theater education programs that supported hundreds of children each year, including programming geared specifically to autistic students. 

Following an extensive search involving many talented candidates it was clear that Erin possessed skills, vision, and enthusiasm that set her apart.  Erin impressed the Board of Directors with her in depth knowledge of organizational management, her fundraising acumen, her dedication to education and diversity, and her enthusiasm for the environment and STEM education.  By selecting Erin, we believe that we have identified a leader who can both solidify Riverbend’s current position and lead us towards exciting new opportunities to push Riverbend forward to its 50th Anniversary and beyond.

I would like to express my gratitude to the members of Riverbend’s Board of Directors for their support during the hiring process and to the many excellent candidates who applied for the Executive Director position.  Thanks also to Fairmount Ventures and Diverseforce, who partnered with Riverbend to manage the search process.  Finally, I would also like to extend a special thank you to Board members Bryan Franey and Keith Pryor, both of whom were instrumental in the vetting process.  Their wise counsel and unwavering devotion to Riverbend’s mission allowed the search process to unfold seamlessly with an outcome that will surely serve Riverbend well for many years to come. 

I hope all of you get a chance to visit Riverbend and get to know Erin soon, and wish you all a happy and healthy summer season!

From Erin Reilly, Executive Director, Riverbend Environmental Education Center

I am thrilled to join Riverbend and excited to meet the Riverbend friends and neighbors who will help the Board and I build upon Laurie Bachman’s many years of transformative leadership. Riverbend has become a treasured nature destination and platform for scientific discovery. Now we stand at a moment of opportunity and ambitious growth. Riverbend is poised to heed the global call to help combat the climate crisis by expanding our award-winning programs that connect children to nature and inspire a love for the earth. Our special focus is on children living in neighborhoods with nature deficits. Together with our partners and donors—and with equitable access as our guiding light—we will educate the environmentalists and earth scientists of the future across the greater Philadelphia region.