Natalie Carter has worked in the non-profit field for 40 years. After graduating St. Bonaventure University, she began her teaching career. She then served as a family social worker for the State of New Jersey, an Executive Director for a Girls Club of America and a volunteer for many community organizations. She returned to teaching as an Executive Director of a non-profit Educational program, while continuing to work on community boards and continuing Graduate Studies at La Salle University in Philadelphia.

Moving to Rhode Island, she joined the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council in December 1992. In 1993, the Tourism Council established their first international twinned relation with the Amber Valley of England and Natalie became the co-chair of the Amber Valley-Blackstone Valley Compact a successful sister Valley initiative. She served as the Council’s first Education Director coordinating and developing the historical and environmental programs RiverClassroom and River-In-The-Classroom.

The people, history and challenges of the Blackstone River Valley presented an opportunity to use her acquired skills and talents. She also utilized her training in technology to assist the Council with its transition into the computer age. In 1997, Natalie became the Council’s first Director of Operations/Business Manager. In addition to administering the day-to-day operation of the Council, Natalie continues to serve as the co-chair of the Amber Valley Blackstone Valley Compact and is also the Council’s principal grant writer.

Working with the creative, energetic and industrious staff of the Tourism Council and the dedicated people of the Valley have made her experience the true power of the Blackstone River Valley. Natalie considers the work of the Council as one of ‘place-making’ and a model for many communities interested in sustainable development and growth. Her goal is that people from all over the world can now experience the new power of the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, the Sustainable Tourism Laboratory in the Blackstone River Valley.