Autrey Mill Nature Center Names New Director

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center has named Jimmy Harris as its new executive director.

Harris previously served as founding director of the Alabama Nature Center, where he instituted numerous educational programs, supervised a staff of naturalists and biologists, coordinated volunteers and lead successful fundraising campaigns.

Before officially starting on July 1, he volunteered at Autrey Mill for several weeks to get to know the staff and members.

“I am so blessed to have an opportunity at Autrey Mill to be able to share both our natural resources and history with young people," Harris said in a press release. "I want to make sure that our future generations never have to find themselves lacking the abundance and beauty of the natural resources we enjoy today.  I look forward to developing programs at Autrey Mill that will showcase our area’s rich history and amazing wildlife, forest and streams.  I also look forward to creating a destination for schools and groups to bring students so that we provide an extension to their classroom.”

Howard Sharfstein, president of the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Association, said, “We are thrilled to enter this new chapter as the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve approaches its 25th anniversary. Jimmy is a perfect fit for us.  He possesses the leadership qualities we were seeking in an executive director and has the experience we believe will help us reach new audiences and grow the educational and recreational value our preserve brings to the Johns Creek community."

Harris replaces former director Ben Team.