September 7, 2007 -- For Immediate Release -- (Eugene, OR) Pacific Rivers Council (PRC) announced today that John Kober, a veteran environmental advocate, will be leading the organization as executive director. Kober, a former regional program manager for the National Wildlife Federation, has more than 10 years of experience in the environmental field, having worked in leadership positions with a number of conservation organizations and campaigns.

Pacific Rivers Council, founded in 1987, is dedicated to protecting and restoring rivers, their watersheds, and native aquatic species. As executive director, Kober will advance PRC's mission by strategically building and expanding organizational capacity and connecting with key constituencies.

Kober succeeds David Bayles, who led PRC with distinction. Bayles will serve as a senior policy advisor.

"John is an energetic advocate, a distinguished communicator, an innovative strategist, and a grassroots mobilizer," said Bob Anderson, PRC's board chair. "He brings important skills to PRC and its efforts to protect aquatic ecosystems in the West. Stressed aquatic places need his leadership."

Most recently Kober has been active in political and environmental campaigns. He assisted Senator Jon Tester (MT) in his successful bid for the U.S. Senate and served as board chair of the Save Our Wild Salmon Coalition.

Kober has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Carroll College.

Contact:

Bob Anderson, Board Chair, Pacific Rivers Council, 406-459-7550

John Kober, Executive Director, Pacific Rivers Council, 206-778-0883

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