A message from Executive Director Katie Nyberg

16 years of service to the Mississippi River

I am writing to you with some bittersweet news. I have decided to step down as executive director of Mississippi Park Connection at the end of January. It’s been a great run, and I am deeply proud of my work. Building a nonprofit from the ground up has been a tremendous honor. What started at my kitchen table in 2006 has grown into a high-functioning organization where I am a member of a collective rather than a lone employee finding my way. But, I am ready for growth and new challenges.

The timing is ideal, thanks to our dedicated board, excellent National Park Service (NPS) partners, talented staff, and incredible volunteers, who are the reason we are the healthy, growing organization we are today. I have no doubt that Mississippi Park Connection will continue to grow to serve more and more people.

I can also reflect with so much pride on what we have accomplished together over the years, from creating a joint volunteer program with NPS to starting the Canoemobile program with Wilderness Inquiry to offering Mississippi River Paddle Share - the first kayak-sharing program in a national park! More recently, the creation of BIPOC in the Outdoors and our work to offer affinity recreation programming for individuals with disabilities and veterans has been particularly transformational for our communities. And let’s not forget putting on large-scale events like Winter Trails Day, Mystery on the Mississippi River, and Illuminate the Lock – all of which have inspired new connections at the river’s edge.

Time flies! My son at age 2 and 17

Receiving his Jr. Ranger badge from former superintendent Paul Labovitz

Working at last year’s Picnic for the Park.

While it’s time for me to take on new adventures, I’m not going anywhere. My family is rooted here and the river will remain part of my daily life. I will also be staying on for a time as a contractor to support the development of the future Mississippi River Learning Center and National Park Service headquarters at Crosby Farm Regional Park, including creating programs for the new space.

The current board has begun an executive search process with the Potrero Group and the position will be posted in January. Longtime employee Anna Waugh will assume the interim director position until a new executive director is in place. As most people know, Anna is a rare talent who has the experience and passion to steer the ship and provide program and partnership continuity.

I want to thank you for your dedication to the organization and partnership over the last 16 years, and I hope you stay deeply involved with Mississippi Park Connection as it embarks on an exciting new chapter of leadership. I am grateful for everything we have accomplished together. 

I wish you an incredible holiday season!