Astoria Park Conservancy (APC) is excited to announce the hiring of Quinn McColly, Ph.D. as its next executive director effective February 16, bringing an innovative and interdisciplinary leader with deep expertise in conservation, water resources, nonprofit leadership and cross-sector collaboration to guide the organization into its next chapter.
McColly brings a unique professional background spanning conservation finance, nonprofit development, environmental science, public policy and education. A former floor trader turned conservation finance innovator, he has built a career at the intersection of economics and natural systems – developing market-based solutions that align ecological outcomes with long-term financial sustainability.
Most recently, McColly served as Managing Director of Water Resources at Conservation Equity Management, where he led water strategies, valuation and market development efforts, and helped facilitate landscape scale mitigation projects. His work included structuring complex water-rights transactions, collaborating with investors and landowners and advancing innovative tools to protect ecosystems while delivering measurable impact.
Prior to that work, McColly was Director of Conservation Finance for a Texas-based non-profit organization, Texas Water Trade. His work there largely revolved around executing transactions for the benefit of the environment by helping to provide adequate in-stream flows. This work helped enhance habitats and fisheries for natural systems and the people that depend on them. While at Texas Water Trade, he also helped spin up Vida Water, a Certified B Corporation that worked to provide clean drinking water to communities facing potable water issues.
In addition to his professional leadership roles, McColly is an experienced educator and currently serves as Professor of Water Policy at Texas State University, teaching courses focused on legal, socio-economic and political frameworks shaping water management today. Also, during his time in academia, he launched the “Wetland Workshops” which brought community together with academics at a nature preserve to help provide a bridge for the community to get involved and be informed. McColly holds a Ph.D. in Coastal and Marine System Science from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, with research focused on water markets, ecosystem services and efficient resource allocation.
“Quinn brings an extraordinary blend of strategic vision, analytical rigor and creative problem-solving, coupled with a personable nature, warmth and ability to connect with people deeply from different walks of life.” said Lauren Grossman, Chair of the Astoria Park Conservancy Board of Directors. “His ability to bridge conservation values with financial and operational realities makes him uniquely suited to lead Astoria as we deepen our impact and plan for the future.”
McColly succeeds founding Executive Director Paige Byron, whose leadership helped relaunch Astoria Hot Springs Park as a beloved community resource. The Board expressed confidence that McColly will build on this strong foundation while bringing fresh perspective and expertise to the organization.
“I am honored to step into this role at such a meaningful moment for Astoria,” said McColly. “Astoria Park Conservancy represents a rare opportunity to steward a place that supports both human well-being and environmental health. I look forward to working alongside the board, staff and community to advance this mission together. With strategic focus and a shared sense of purpose, I believe Astoria can continue to serve as a regional and national model for how conservation and community vitality can thrive together.”
