A leader brings the weather, and in this episode, President and CEO of American Rivers, Tom Kiernan, gives us a warm summer day (with a cool breeze) and a ton of enthusiasm.

T. A. and Tom K. discuss how nature has the capacity to hold us in times of stress, loss, and deep personal struggles. We hear the heartbreaking and uplifting story of how Tom Kiernan has become a devoted protector of open spaces and wild places. And we reflect on the peace that nature offers us all – the reconnection and the renewal.

We learn about our rivers, why we need them, the threats they are facing, and what American Rivers is doing to help. 

Tom K. urges us all, “Follow your passions. Figure out what really excites you.” 

T. A. asks us, “What would it look like if you combined your true passion with what the world truly needs?”

Join us and get inspired to do your part to protect the natural world. 

About Tom Kiernan:

Tom Kiernan (he/him) became President and CEO of American Rivers in February 2021, leading the 78 staff that make American Rivers the nation’s most trusted and influential river conservation organization. Throughout his career, Tom has been dedicated to protecting the nation’s lands and waters, diversifying the conservation movement and advancing innovative solutions to benefit people and nature. 

Before joining American Rivers, Tom led the American Wind Energy Association for over seven years, growing the organization and advancing a clean energy policy agenda to fight climate change. As President of the National Parks Conservation Association from 1998-2013, he increased the annual budget from $16 to $35 million and led a capital campaign exceeding the $125 million goal. With his team, he established the Community Partners Program at NPCA in 1999 – one of the first diversity programs of any major conservation organization.  

Tom developed a love for rivers at a young age, growing up on the Potomac River in metropolitan Washington, DC. He co-founded the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center on the Arkansas River in Colorado and worked at North Carolina’s Nantahala Outdoor Center guiding trips throughout the Southeast. Today, Tom is an avid rower who spends time on the Potomac River most mornings. 

He received a BA from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. 

Read more about American Rivers.

Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of 32 books and counting. Carolyn Hunter is co-host.

Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson.