We are Cahaba River Coalition. Cahaba River Society and Cahaba Riverkeeper have merged to strengthen watershed protection and conservation for communities, wildlife, and future generations. Read the full announcement
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We are Cahaba River Coalition. Cahaba River Society and Cahaba Riverkeeper have merged to strengthen watershed protection and conservation for communities, wildlife, and future generations. Read the full announcement
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — On Rivers of Alabama Day, Cahaba River Coalition announced that David Butler has been named its permanent Executive Director.
“We are excited to have David step into the role of Executive Director. He is uniquely qualified, and we are grateful for his commitment to our organization and the Cahaba River,” said Craig Neely, President of the Board. “This marks the next step in our journey, which began with the merger of our legacy organizations, Cahaba Riverkeeper and Cahaba River Society. We also extend our sincere thanks to the search committee for their time and dedication throughout this process.”
Over the past six months, Butler has worked alongside Co-Executive Director Deborah Barker to unify operations and support staff during a critical phase of alignment and growth. His appointment follows a comprehensive search led by the Board of Directors, which affirmed his leadership and strong alignment with the organization’s mission.
Butler graduated from the University of Alabama, earned his Juris Doctor from the Birmingham School of Law, and was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2018. His background—spanning finance, journalism, law, and environmental advocacy—has shaped his holistic approach to river protection.
“I can’t imagine a better person to grow the partnership we have with Cahaba River Coalition than David Butler,” said Cindy Lowry, Executive Director of Alabama Rivers Alliance. “His passion, knowledge, and relentless dedication to the Cahaba River, combined with his collaborative approach, make him the ideal leader for this organization.”
In addition to his role as Cahaba Riverkeeper, Butler serves on the global Waterkeeper Council representing the Gulf region, as well as on the leadership committee of Waterkeepers Alabama. In these roles, he has advocated for river protection through scientific research, community engagement, nontraditional partnerships, and legal action when necessary.
“David Butler is a truly exceptional leader and one of the most effective Waterkeepers I’ve had the privilege to work alongside,” said Bart Mihailovich, Director of Waterkeeper Membership Services at Waterkeeper Alliance. “He brings a rare blend of humility, clear-eyed leadership, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the Cahaba River and serving the communities who depend on it.”
Prior to joining Cahaba Riverkeeper, Butler led canoe and kayak trips along the Cahaba River, where he witnessed both its natural beauty and the challenges facing its health.
“The Cahaba River is a world-renowned biological treasure and invaluable to our state, the communities it supports, and visitors from around the globe,” Butler said. “I am honored to take on this role and look forward to working with partners and communities to protect the river for future generations in the face of inevitable change.”
With its leadership structure now in place, Cahaba River Coalition is positioned to build on its post-merger momentum and expand its impact across the watershed.
About Cahaba River Coalition
Cahaba River Coalition is the voice of the Cahaba River, a community-powered nonprofit uniting the expertise and legacies of Cahaba River Society and Cahaba Riverkeeper. Guided by science and empowered by community, the organization works to preserve and protect the integrity of the Cahaba River and its watershed. Together with partners, policymakers, and residents, it is building a thriving, healthy, and biodiverse river for generations to come.To learn more about Cahaba River Coalition visit our website at https://cahabarivercoalition.org/
