'Bittersweet': Executive Director of Nonprofit Trinity River Steps Down, Announces New Role

After 11 years of service, Stacey Pierce of Streams & Valleys is stepping down as executive director of the nonprofit organization to take a new position with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.

“As you can imagine, this is a big change for me personally and certainly bittersweet,” Pierce wrote in an Oct. 4 email announcing his departure. “I’m thrilled about the new opportunity, but I will leave a big part of my heart at Trinity River & Trails with all of you.”

His last day with Streams & Valleys was Friday. She will assume her new role as the Chamber’s vice president of investor relations on October 28.

“I’m really excited to be able to continue to do the things I love in Fort Worth as a whole,” Pierce told the Report.

Founded in 1969 by a group of philanthropists and concerned residents, Streams & Valleys has served as a major fundraiser for trail and river improvements and has hosted one of Fort Worth’s most popular festivals, Mayfest, since 1973.

The group often works alongside the Tarrant Regional Water District and the Fort Worth Parks and Recreation department to improve access to the river. Streams & Valleys was also among the organizations that funded a new roadmap for riverwalk development on Panther Island, the island that will be created through the $1.16 billion “Central City” flood control project between downtown of Fort Worth and the Northside neighborhood.

Pierce praised Streams & Valleys and its partners for their work on a new master plan for the Trinity River, which focused on projects such as the planned Bomber Spur Trail and improvements to the Trinity Trails. The organization also launched a membership program, Friends of the Trinity River, to increase financial and community involvement with the river.

“These are not my accomplishments; it’s our team,” Pierce said. “It has been a very rewarding group effort.”

As for the chamber, it looks forward to Pierce’s contributions.

“I am very excited to have her join our team,” said Steve Montgomery, CEO and president of the chamber. “She has this unwavering passion and dedication to the success of our city and I think she will be an incredible and invaluable addition to our team.”

As vice president of investor relations, Pierce will focus on leading the chamber’s membership team, overseeing member recruitment and retention at all levels, according to Montgomery.

Following his departure, Pierce said the nonprofit’s executive committee is organizing a strategic planning group to consider Streams & Valleys’ next steps in finding a new executive director.

“(Pierce’s) passion for our mission to defend the Trinity River is evident in every project and initiative. In stepping down, we sincerely express our deepest thanks for your contributions to our community and our river,” said Jennifer Harnish, president of Streams & Valleys. “We congratulate Stacey on her new role at the Fort Worth Chamber. She will bring her signature enthusiasm to the organization and we wish her nothing but the best.”

Pierce’s career in Fort Worth includes stints with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the Fort Worth Zoo, Downtown Fort Worth Inc. and All Saints Episcopal School before being named executive director of Streams & Valleys in 2013.

Nicole Lopez is the Fort Worth Report’s environmental reporter. Contact her at [email protected].

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