Preserving Arizona’s Future through the Verde River E52
In this episode of “Arizona Good Business” with host, Thomas Barr welcomes David Gressly and Isaac Dudley with Friends of the Verde River, discussing their work to protect and preserve the Verde River in Arizona. They shared how their organization employs a scientific approach, such as implementing a comprehensive water monitoring program, to inform better decision-making and resource allocation – as well as getting the community connected to the river. They also discuss the success of the River Friendly Living program, which encourages water conservation and habitat improvement by engaging a broad range of stakeholders, from homeowners to businesses.
The conversation includes personal testimonies from both guests as they reflect on their deep connections to Arizona and the Verde River. Emphasizing the importance of community engagement, especially through educational outreach programs. Their shared passion for protecting this unique natural resource is evident throughout the discussion, making it clear that their work is not just professional but deeply personal.
Friends of the Verde River is a local non-profit based in Cottonwood, Arizona, which implements on-the-ground projects, facilitates regional coordination, and informs statewide policy from the local perspective. Over the past decade, Friends has grown into an organization with professional staff implementing conservation in the Verde River Watershed at a landscape scale.
David Gressly joined Friends after retiring from the United Nations as its Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen. He has held many positions with the United Nations, most recently working collaboratively to prevent what could have been the world’s largest oil spill in the Red Sea.
David has worked extensively in Africa and Asia, building teams to effect positive goals in the world.
David grew up working on the family farm. He stated that his initial desire was to become an environmentalist and is looking forward to working in that milieu with Friends of the Verde River.
Isaac Dudley is a Verde Valley local, with a degree in Spanish and Journalism from Northern Arizona University, Isaac is an avid lover of the outdoors.
After finding rock climbing as a sophomore in high school, Isaac immersed himself in the wild places of Arizona. Passionate about conservation and the sustainable growth of the Verde Valley, Isaac hopes to use his voice as a storyteller to help his community grow like every healthy community should.
Follow Friends of the Verde River on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
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About Your Host
Thomas Barr is the Vice President of Business Development for Local First Arizona, the largest coalition of local businesses in North America. He advocates for a strong local business community that contributes to building vibrancy, equity, and prosperity across the state.
A proud Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University, Thomas leads the strategic partnerships and business development at Local First through advancing the organization’s statewide business coalition and technical assistance resources deployed to entrepreneurs.
As the Vice President of Business Development, Thomas guides the direction and execution of Local First’s key initiatives and partnerships, as well as the collaboration of 60+ staff implementing work in entrepreneurship programs and access to capital, rural and tribal community development, and local food economic development. He speaks to groups both locally and nationally, presenting the impact of Local First through demonstrating the organization’s effectiveness in building economic opportunity for more than 20 years.
Outside of Local First Arizona, Thomas has contributed his time throughout his career to many causes and organizations including the American Independent Business Alliance, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Equality Arizona, Heritage Square Foundation, Phoenix Legal Action Network, and Young Nonprofit Professionals. He currently serves on the small business advisory council for Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, as a member of the multicultural advisory board for ONE Community, and as a member of the board for Tempe Tourism.
Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine and 2020 Phoenix Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and alumni of Valley Leadership Institute’s 40th cohort.
Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn and Twitter.
