July 7, 2026 – Keep Brevard Beautiful, Inc. is pleased to announce that
Connie Herring joined the organization as Executive Director on July 6.

Herring is a seasoned nonprofit leader with than 20 years of experience, most recently as Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships at East Coast Zoological Foundation, where she was responsible for designing and managing the organization’s partnership strategy, as well as managing a portfolio of 200 major donors.

She also led implementation of the Brevard Zoo’s highly successful 2026 Safari Under The Stars, which set a fundraising record. Herring is a native of Brevard County, having graduated from Merritt Island High School and the University of Florida, but spent many years working for non-profit organizations in North Carolina before returning home in 2025.

“I was attracted to KBB because of its decades-long legacy of community impact and environmental stewardship, as well as by the unique opportunity to work with the board of directors, sponsors and volunteers to shape the organization’s future to match Brevard’s growing challenges,” Herring commented. This October KBB, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, will celebrate 45 years of service in the local community. Last year, the group’s staff and volunteers removed more than 412 tons of litter and debris from Brevard County’s roadsides, waterways and beaches.

Prior to relocating back to Merritt Island, Connie was Executive Director of the Piedmont Opera in Winston-Salem, having ascended to that role after also serving as Director of Advancement and Community Engagement, Director of Development, and Director of Operations. She also served in leadership or key development roles for other non-profit organizations to include The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem, the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, and the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

“Connie is an outstanding leader and nonprofit professional. We expect her formidable experience and proven track record to lend new energy for growing KBB’s mission and impact to the community,” commented Deb Harmon, who served as interim executive director since December.

In conjunction with hiring Herring, Harmon will return to her role as KBB Board Chair for the remainder of 2026.

Keep Brevard Beautiful’s mission is to develop, motivate, educate and activate community partners to reduce litter, recycle, beautify, and sustain the environment for the benefit of Brevard County residents and visitors. In addition to organizing group cleanup events, KBB assists companies, clubs and individuals with conducting private litter removal activities and offers a variety of programs and education services.