MUCC names Kirk Riley deputy director

lschultz • September 30, 2019

Riley takes over as operations, fiscal manager for nation’s largest state-specific conservation organization.

Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) named Kirk Riley its new deputy director Sept. 23 following a nine-month, countrywide search.

Riley’s role will include operations management, budget and donor development, fundraising, staff oversight, executive board recruitment and succession planning for MUCC.

Prior to joining MUCC, Riley served as executive director of the Lansing-based Information Technology Empowerment Center which focused on providing science, technology, math and engineering (STEM) educational opportunities to at-risk youth from 2007 to 2018. From 1994 to 2006, he managed an environmental engineering outreach program at Michigan State University that provided assistance to communities with serious pollution problems .

MUCC Executive Director Amy Trotter said Riley’s experience in the non-profit world, coupled with his understanding of fiscal development, made him the perfect candidate for the position.

“Kirk separated himself from the field during the interview process with innovative, feasible ideas on membership and financial growth for MUCC,” Trotter said. “Staff concurred, and we are excited to welcome Kirk to the MUCC team and begin implementing long-term growth strategies.”

Riley is excited to join the MUCC team and bring his expertise in management to the conservation field, he said.

“Conservation is something that I have a deep passion for and enjoy,” Riley said. “I look forward to the opportunity to bring my unique skills to MUCC and help to grow our professional staff and organization in the coming years.”

Riley lives in Haslett with his wife Katie and is the father of two sons. Their family includes an Australian shepherd rescue named Ruby, and they enjoy camping, hiking and kayaking. Riley and his family proudly cheer on Michigan and Michigan State in their house — divided.

Michigan United Conservation Clubs is the largest state-specific conservation organization in the nation. Since 1937, MUCC has been uniting citizens to conserve, protect and enhance Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage.

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