The Mianus River Gorge welcomed Rochelle Thomas as the new executive director on May 26th 2026.
Rochelle is a mission-driven conservation and nonprofit leader, with more than a decade of experience advancing conservation and land stewardship, fundraising, strategic planning, and community engagement. At her prior position as director of the Greenwich Center for the National Audubon Society, she oversaw seven wildlife sanctuaries totaling nearly 700 acres, led a team of staff and seasonal educators, and directed major land restoration, fundraising, and public engagement initiatives.
Rochelle brings an excellent combination of talents that will support the Gorge’s biggest priorities – expanding conservation efforts, cultivating science-based research and education programs, and further developing community-centered programs, all while ensuring that our special ecosystems remain healthy for decades to come.
During her time at Audubon, Rochelle helped raise significant funds to support habitat restoration, educational programming, and operational growth. She also worked closely with other local and regional conservation organizations to help launch new community-based environmental programs focused on forest and watershed stewardship.
Rochelle holds a Master of Arts in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology from Columbia University, as well as a second master’s degree in American Studies from Columbia University.
The MRG Board of Trustees is looking forward to the future of Mianus River Gorge under Rochelle’s leadership. Rochelle is exceptionally well positioned to lead the Gorge into its next chapter building on the strong legacy of former executive director Rod Christie.