Sierra Club. Executive Director.

The Sierra Club was founded in San Francisco in 1892. In addition to naturalist and author John Muir, the 182 charter members included artists, scientists, university professors, explorers and cartographers. Their intent, as expressed in the articles of incorporation, was: to explore, enjoy, and render accessible the mountain regions of the Pacific Coast; to publish information concerning them; and to enlist the support and cooperation of people and government in preserving the forests and other natural features of the Sierra Nevada. In 1911, a Southern California chapter was formed, and in 1950 the first chapter outside the state was incorporated. The position of Executive Director began in 1952, when David Ross Brower was hired for the position. Currently, (2004) there are over 700,000 members, with chapters in every state in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to the club's headquarters in San Francisco, there are regionally-based conservation staff, and a national legislative office in Washington D.C. Hundreds of national and international outings, led by volunteers, continue to take place each year, and the club continues to support its publications program, producing Sierra Club Books, calendars, and the club's magazine, Sierra.