Brian J. Graham brings engineering and nonprofit management experience to the helm as the new senior director of the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area.
Graham started June 29 and recently took some time to reflect on his first two months in the role.
"The canal is run by 12 members on an authority board," Graham said. "They hired me as senior director to manage the national heritage area, which is a 13-mile stretch along the Augusta Canal."
Below is a question-and-answer session with Graham as he continues to settle into his new role. Answers may have been edited for space and content.
Augusta Chronicle: What inspired you to apply for the position?
Graham: I have a background
in engineering design. I did that for a number of years. Then I got into nonprofit management and managed organizations such as the Augusta Sports Council and other community-based organizations, which I love.
The canal is, in my opinion, the most beautiful place in Augusta, and it's underutilized. I felt that my engineering background, along with my nonprofit and events management experience, was a really good fit for what we're trying to do here, which is to get more events on the canal, get more people using it, and manage the hydropower generated by three different hydropower plants on the canal.
Augusta Chronicle: What has been your favorite part about working for the Augusta Canal?
Graham: I love community-based nonprofits. I feel that the Augusta Canal is Augusta's Central Park. It's a great place for people to go canoeing, kayaking, running and biking and to get close to nature. It's just a beautiful area. Being able to incorporate my past experience while working for a community-based organization that has so much to offer the community has been especially rewarding.
Augusta Chronicle: What would you say have been your biggest challenges so far?
Graham: I've only been here for a few weeks, so I'd say the biggest challenge is funding, which is something all nonprofits face. I'm also learning a lot about hydropower. I didn't come in with hydropower experience, so I'm learning all about it because we manage three hydropower plants at the old mills here in Augusta, and that's where some of our income comes from.
Augusta Chronicle: What are the biggest challenges in maintaining water flow and trail safety? Or is that something you haven't had to tackle yet because you've only recently started in the position?
Graham: Even before I arrived, the canal was dealing with damage caused by a hurricane a few years ago. Trees were knocked over and may have weakened the dam. We work very closely with the Augusta Utilities Department and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on dam safety.
The city has done a fantastic job cleaning the canal and reopening it, and officials recently received funding for additional work. The canal will be drained again early next year so repairs can be made in areas where trees once stood.
Augusta Chronicle: Do you have any near-term plans or events you'd like to see come to fruition?
Graham: We're developing a new trailhead along the canal where people can access the water. It will be located behind Topgolf and Bass Pro Shops at River Watch Parkway. The new trailhead will include parking, a pedestrian bridge over the canal, and a canoe and kayak launch. It will be called the River Watch Village Trailhead.
Augusta Chronicle: If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Graham: It would definitely be to follow your passion. I worked in engineering for 20 years, and I liked it, but I didn't love it. When I left engineering and got into nonprofit management, I discovered that I loved that work. The Augusta Sports Council also had a tourism entity that brought sports groups from out of town to Augusta. Through that experience, I discovered that I wanted to stay in tourism. Looking back, I wish I had pursued that path after high school instead of engineering.
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta Canal director aims to boost recreation, tourism | Exclusive
