Garrett Artz

Garrett is the Executive Director of RiverLink. He is a native of a rural town in Pennsylvania and brings a diverse set of experiences to RiverLink. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and Navy Flight Training as a designated Naval Aviator, he served 10 years on active duty and gained valuable experience as a senior manager, instructor pilot, and helicopter aircraft commander.

In 2008 after graduating from N.C. Central University School of Law, he moved with his family to Asheville and began his legal career at Pisgah Legal Services and later worked as corporate counsel for a local military contractor. In 2014 he co-founded a walking and biking advocacy group, Connect Enka, in Enka-Candler working to make the area along Hominy Creek and Enka Commerce Center friendly to people who want to bike or walk safely.

He continues to be active in the community and is a member of Buncombe County Land Conservation Advisory Board. When not working he can often be found outdoors with his wife and three children.