We are thrilled to announce that Elizabeth Underwood has joined the Environmental Paper Network (EPN) as the new Director of our North American office. With her extensive background in nonprofit management and conservation, Elizabeth is poised to lead our efforts in environmental sustainability with passion and dedication.
Elizabeth brings over 20 years of experience in government relations, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership. In her previous role as the Executive Director of the New River Conservancy (NRC) she worked to protect the watershed of North America’s oldest river. Under her leadership, NRC focused on land conservation, water quality improvement, and streambank restoration through science-based projects. Elizabeth successfully oversaw fundraising campaigns that secured vital resources for the protection of hundreds of acres of threatened riverside properties, including the New River Hill Forest in (Galax, Va), East Peak Mountain in (Ashe County, NC), and the development of New River Access Park (Ashe County, NC). Notably, she also doubled the organization’s annual giving.
While at NRC, Elizabeth was a champion for collaboration, including organizing two record-attendance biennial symposiums, which brought together thought leaders and industry professionals. Elizabeth’s ability to strengthen alliances with government and community partners was instrumental in advancing conservation policies and developing support for a new three-state water trail across the New River’s 20 counties.
Elizabeth holds a Ph.D. in public policy from the J. William Fulbright College of the University of Arkansas, along with a Master’s degree in higher education and an undergraduate degree in literature from UNC Asheville. Her academic achievements include a Fulbright Scholarship in 2013, which allowed her to study higher education in Germany.
Elizabeth has been a prominent figure in the Council for Advancement in Support of Education (CASE), where she frequently presents at conferences, has chaired the Newcomer’s Conference, and served on a conference leadership team for several years. Her contributions to the field have earned her numerous awards, including being named one of the Most Distinguished Women by Arkansas magazine, About You, in 2016.
A Passion for Environmental Stewardship
Elizabeth is eager to collaborate with the EPN team, Steering Committee, members, donors, and other stakeholders. She expressed her enthusiasm: “It is an honor to serve as the next Director for Environmental Paper Network – North America. The international alliance of partners working towards a clean, healthy, just, and sustainable future for all life on earth is truly inspiring. EPN is a trusted partner around the globe that has achieved significant milestones, and I look forward to advancing our network’s goals. As our planet confronts the challenges of climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable increases in pulp, paper, and biomass usage, our work is more critical than ever. We must act with urgency to drive collective substantive change.”
Beyond the Office
Outside of her professional life, Elizabeth is an avid outdoors enthusiast, enjoying activities such as whitewater kayaking and canoe-camping. She considers the outdoors her “personal playground” and feels a deep responsibility to lead stewardship efforts that enhance the health of our planet.
Connect with Elizabeth
Please join us in welcoming Elizabeth to EPN. You can reach her at elizabeth@environmentalpaper.org, connect with her on LinkedIn, or meet in-person at the NY Climate Week! We look forward to the exciting initiatives she will lead in our collective mission for a sustainable future.
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