Elena DeLacy

Executive Director, American River Conservancy (ARC)

Elena DeLacy is the Executive Director of American River Conservancy (ARC).  Her focus is on achieving the goals of ARC's mission “to serve our communities by ensuring healthy ecosystems in the Upper American River and Upper Cosumnes River watersheds through conservation, stewardship, and education.”  Ms. DeLacy has served in this role since 2019, overseeing a variety of land conservation and watershed restoration projects. Under her leadership, 5,200 acres of wildlands and working landscapes have been permanently protected, and more than 1,200 acres of ecological forest restoration work has been completed, altogether representing more than $26 million in nature-based investments in the region.  ARC's education programs facilitate experiential, place-based learning that connects over 2,000 learners annually with the environment. Elena holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Biology and Management from the University of California, Davis. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and playing the violin.

Established in 1989 as a land trust, American River Conservancy exists to protect lands in the Upper American River and Upper Cosumnes River watersheds in perpetuity. Over the past 36 years, ARC's conservation program has permanently protected 30,900 acres. American River Conservancy was awarded Land Trust Accreditation in 2025.