Media Kit

Rob Hutsel is the President & CEO of The San Diego River Park Foundation, a nonprofit established in 2001 to serve as a catalyst in creating a 52 mile long system of parks, trails and open spaces along the San Diego River and promote stewardship of this incredible natural and cultural treasure. He believes everyone should enjoy the benefits of nature and that nature will benefit when more people feel a strong connection with it.

Rob attended UC San Diego where he studied Urban Studies and Planning. He has been a guest lecturer at UCSD, SDSU and at several national and state conferences.

Rob was named by the River Network as the 2008 National River Hero for his leadership with the River Park Foundation and his more than 20 years of volunteering in San Diego. In 2009, he was awarded the President’s Award by San Diego State University’s President Weber for his efforts including working with SDSU to develop what is called “the first wireless watershed in the nation.” In July 2011 he was invited to the White House to accept a National Award on behalf of the River Park Foundation.

Currently, he serves on the board of directors of the California Watershed Network, Statewide Steering Committee of the California Urban Streams Partnership, on the Mission Valley Planning Group and as Vice Chair of the County of San Diego’s Park Advisory Committee, representing District 3.

As lead staff for the River Park Foundation, Rob has successfully completed more than 100 property transactions, secured millions of dollars in state and local funding and is responsible for the daily operations of this growing organization.

Rob is the fourth generation of his family to live in San Diego. His family lives in Point Loma, and when he has time you are likely to find him outdoors - enjoying San Diego's natural places.

Rob is known by many as “River Rob” for his passion and dedication to creating a better future for the San Diego River and his work to improve the quality of life in San Diego.