The N.C. Sierra Club, which advocates for a clean, healthy environment and the well-being of all who live in it, is pleased to announce Chris Herndon as its new Chapter Director.
Herndon is a respected nonprofit leader in the Triangle, with more than 25 years of experience leading organizations through transformational periods of growth. He was selected as director because of his proven ability to expand and deepen trusted relationships and his track record of building visibility, revenue, and teams in both the private and nonprofit sectors.
"The work of the N.C. Chapter is more crucial than ever as climate change increasingly threatens our environment and communities. Our children and grandchildren's futures depend on how effectively we meet this challenge," Herndon said. "I'm eager to help protect marginalized communities from polluters in rural and urban areas, safeguard biodiversity and public lands, celebrate our connection to the natural world, and elect and hold accountable leaders at all levels of government who share these values."
Herndon will guide Chapter staff and volunteers, along with Sierra Club national staff working in the state and region, in carrying out environmental policies, priorities, and objectives set by the Chapter's elected volunteer leadership.
"The Executive Committee is glad to put our trust in Chris to steward this organization into its next era in collaboration with our volunteer leaders and staff," Chapter Chair Katie Tomberlin said. "The Sierra Club's work is more essential than ever, and we're happy to have a proven leader to bring new energy, ideas and commitment to our mission."
Herndon spent most of the past 12 years in executive leadership roles with two local United Ways. As Chief Marketing and Engagement Officer at United Way of Central Indiana (Indianapolis), one of the largest and most progressive United Ways in the country, he oversaw advocacy campaigns that led to numerous public policy wins. He also played an integral role in the development of a strategic plan that fundamentally changed the organization’s operating model, and served on the United Way Worldwide Marketing Leadership Council.
More recently, Herndon was Chief Operating Officer for United Way of the Greater Triangle, where he modernized operations and technology while leading the development of a strategic fundraising plan. He also served as Interim Executive Director of WakeUP Wake County. Prior to his nonprofit roles, he spent 16 years as a sports executive, overseeing marketing and programming for a downtown Indianapolis stadium when it was named “Best Minor League Ballpark in America” by Sports Illustrated.
Since moving to North Carolina in 2019, Herndon has demonstrated a deep commitment to civic engagement that supports environmental stewardship. He currently chairs the Town of Cary’s Greenway Committee; is a member of Cary’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board; and is a member of the Dix Park Community Committee. He also serves as a board member for WakeUP Wake County, is a Leadership Triangle Goodmon Fellow, and a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)®.
"I couldn’t be more excited to serve the North Carolina community I love in this way," Herndon said. "I’m especially eager to amplify the power of the N.C. Sierra Club's passionate members to defend everyone’s right to a healthy world."