GLEN JEAN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Deb Lamey, President of Friends of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, is excited to announce that Roy Mark ‘Boog’ Ferrell, Jr. will be joining the organization as its first full-time Executive Director. Ferrell will be responsible for leading the group’s fundraising and planning initiatives as the primary philanthropic partner of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
“We are both pleased and excited that Mr. Ferrell has agreed to become part of our team,” said Lamey. “Boog’s background in fundraising and working with nonprofit groups will help us grow and expand our efforts to support the park and its mission.”
Ferrell has experience in both the private and public sectors, with a recent focus on supporting small businesses in the Athens, TX area. Since 2021, he has been a member of the board of directors for the Athens Economic Development Corporation. Additionally, he has been involved with Sixty Feet, a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, that supports children in Uganda. Since 2011, Ferrell has taken on various roles within the organization, including Volunteer, Country Director, Board Member, and most recently, Executive Director.
In his personal life, Ferrell is an ultrarunner who enjoys exploring wild places on foot. During his free time, he and his family love reading good books, enjoying good food, and exploring natural places.
“With experience leading both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, coupled with a deep appreciation for the cultural and natural wonders of the New River Gorge, I believe I can serve the mission of Friends, and ultimately the park and this community, well,” said Ferrell. “I am honored to have the opportunity and excited to dig in.”
“We congratulate our Friends group for taking this huge step towards development and growth,” said Acting Park Superintendent Eric LaPrice. “We look forward to continuing our work with them under the new leadership and direction of Mr. Ferrell.”
The Friends of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the efforts of the park and the park visitors in a variety of ways. For more information or to become a member, visit the Friends website at www.friendsofnewriver.org and follow them on social media.
