SARF Welcomes Estela Avery as Executive Director and Announces a Land Donation to Support the Mission Reach

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio River Foundation Board of Directors has appointed Estela Avery as Executive Director. Avery served on the Board of Directors for more than two years and had been filling in as Interim Executive Director since September. “Estela Avery has great ties to the community and was just the right fit for the position as we focus our efforts on the Mission Reach,” said Nick Hollis, San Antonio River Foundation Board Chairman. He added, “We’re thrilled that she has taken her commitment to the Foundation and to the River Improvements Project to this new level.”

“I feel honored to be able to help the San Antonio River Foundation in this way,” said Avery, “The River was vital to our city’s founding and early growth, and the River Improvements Project is vital to our continued economic and cultural growth.”

The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) Board of Directors welcomed the appointment of Avery as the new Executive Director of the San Antonio River Foundation by hosting a joint reception to recognize the announcement. SARA is the agency entrusted to protect and preserve the San Antonio River and its tributaries, and it created the San Antonio River Foundation in 2003 to aid in private sector fundraising to support projects related to SARA’s mission.

“Estela is a great choice to lead the San Antonio River Foundation,” said Gaylon Oehlke, Chairman of SARA’s Board of Directors. “She has a firm understanding of the public/private collaboration required to achieve the greatest success for the project.”

Mrs. Avery has worked with Bacon, Lee and Associates helping non-profits with their fundraising, staffing and volunteer needs. She is a devoted philanthropist, dedicated volunteer and has been a fundraiser for over 15 years. Her experience in working with non-profit organizations ranges from being a board member to heading capital campaigns, working with volunteers and chairing very successful special events.

In addition to her position with the San Antonio River Foundation, Mrs. Avery is the board chair at Providence Catholic School Inc., serves on the KLRN board, Schreiner University Advisory Board for the BSN Program, School of Nursing UT Health Science Center Advisory Board and CSU Advisory Board in Kerrville. She is also the working chair for Hill Country Memorial Hospital Gala in Fredericksburg.

"The San Antonio River Foundation has been a key partner in bringing the San Antonio River -- and particularly the Mission Reach -- back to the citizens of this county,” said Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff. “The Mission Reach is an example of how selfless collaboration among government and private entities can benefit and improve the community; and without the River Foundation, this project would lack certain aesthetic and cultural imprints. I look forward to working with the Foundation under the leadership of Estela Avery, whose fundraising prowess is sure to make the project a success."

There was a second announcement to be made at the joint reception for Mrs. Avery hosted by the San Antonio River Foundation and SARA. One of Mrs. Avery’s first responsibilities as Executive Director of the San Antonio River Foundation was to assist in the acquisition and donation of nearly six-and-a-half acres of land by Loop 410 and Old Espada Road to SARA as part of the Mission Reach segment of the San Antonio River Improvements Project.

San Antonio River Foundation Board Chairman Nick Hollis had been approached by long-time friend Fermin Rajunov of Presto Tierra, Ltd, who was thinking about selling the property to benefit the Mission Reach project. “I felt right away that the site’s proximity to Loop 410 could make it a great entry point for canoeing and kayaking,” said Hollis, “as well as an easy access point for hikers and bikers to the southernmost section of the project.”

Despite an appraisal of well over $300,000, Rajunov was willing to sell the property to the River Foundation for $170,000, roughly what he paid for it in 2002. “This is a great example of how public and private entities can come together in significant ways,” stated Hollis, “We look forward to working with the San Antonio River Authority and project partners as we work to raise funding to integrate the design and use of the property to add future public access and recreation use of the restored Mission Reach.”

Suzanne Scott, SARA General Manager, welcomed the ongoing collaboration with the River Foundation in support of the Mission Reach. “The San Antonio River Foundation’s contributions to the Museum Reach resulted in some wonderful public art additions to the project. Now as we focus on the completion of the Mission Reach, the San Antonio River Foundation’s contributions will once again play a pivotal role in producing public art and additional amenities, such as this land donation, for the project.”