Press Room

UPPER WHITE RIVER BASIN FOUNDATION
NAMES DR. JOHN MOORE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

(Branson, Mo. 5/8/07) The Board of Trustees for the Upper White River Basin Foundation has announced that Dr. John Moore has accepted the position of Executive Director of the foundation. Dr. Moore, who served as president of Drury University in Springfield for 22 years, replaces Steve Stewart who has chosen to return to his family and professional roots in Arkansas.

“John Moore has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the issues and importance of the environment, and particularly to the waters of the White River Basin,” said Peter Herschend, president of the foundation board. “His knowledge, management and leadership skills are superlative. As a founding board member of the Upper White River Basin Foundation, he has been actively involved and deeply committed to the goal of the Foundation, which is to make the four lakes of the watershed basin -- Beaver, Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals -- the cleanest man-made lakes in North America."

Dr. Moore was enthusiastically endorsed and approved by a unanimous decision of the bi-state membership of the board of directors, Herschend said.

Moore earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in history at Yale University, and a doctorate at Harvard. He was Assistant Commissioner of Education for the state of Missouri, then served for more than two decades as president of Drury University in Springfield before retiring in May 2005. Since that time, Moore, an Eagle Scout and former Scoutmaster, has been working part time in communication and development for the regional Boy Scout Council.

“I have always loved the outdoors and know the importance of our water quality,” Moore said. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to work in this area I believe in so deeply, and I am eager to be involved and to contribute to our goal of making a difference in long-term water quality.”

Moore will begin working with outgoing executive director Stewart this week. “Stew Stewart did an excellent job of leading the foundation during his 20 months as executive director, and we appreciate his contribution during that time,” Herschend said.

The headquarters of the Upper White River Basin Foundation is in Branson, Missouri. For further information, contact the foundation office at 417-334-7644

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