Ryan Smart

Executive Director of the Florida Springs Council
Mr. Smart is the executive director of the Florida Springs Council and a leading advocate for protecting Florida’s springs, rivers, and natural lands. During his tenure, the council has ushered in a new era of environmental activism in central and north Florida, challenging water quality and quantity regulations that would harm Florida’s springs, lobbying in the state legislature, and helping to elevate central and north Florida water issues to a statewide and national audience. In 2017, Mr. Smart was named the Bob Graham Center’s Young Floridian of the Year for his track record of coalition building and grassroots organizing, bringing much-needed attention to Florida’s critical environmental issues. He continues to serve as a Steering Committee Member of the Florida Conservation Coalition alongside his mentors Senator Bob Graham and long-time environmental advisor Estus Whitfield.