The Coastal Bend Bays Foundation (CBBF) proudly announces the appointment of Della Meadows as its new Executive Director, a leader whose professional journey and personal values are deeply rooted in service to the Greater Coastal Bend community. With more than 10 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Della brings a passion for fundraising, advocacy, strategic planning, and community engagement that aligns seamlessly with CBBF’s mission.

Della’s commitment to education and civic involvement is reflected in her volunteer service with the League of Women Voters, KEDT, and the Rockport Center for the Arts, as well as her work on Curriculum Development Committees for Del Mar Community College and Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. Her career also includes corporate experience in project management and leadership development, guided early on by mentorship that encouraged her to take action today in preparation for tomorrow’s challenges.

CBBF’s mission resonates deeply with Della, who believes in the transformative power of education and community engagement to inspire lifelong environmental stewardship. She is especially energized by the opportunity to invest in the next generation of leaders, recognizing the Alpha Generation—today’s middle and high school students—as the key to sustaining and strengthening the Foundation’s impact for decades to come.

Beyond her professional life, Della embraces stewardship as a way of living. As an active member of the hiking community, she and her husband follow the principle of “Leave No Trace,” carrying that ethic of care from the trail into their daily lives. Their shared goal of completing section hikes of the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail reflects the perseverance, respect for nature, and long-term vision she brings to her leadership.

Raised in a military family and frequently stationed in South Texas, Della has chosen to call the Greater Coastal Bend home for the past 20 years. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the CBBF Board of Directors for their confidence and looks forward to working alongside partners, educators, and community members to protect, preserve, and restore the Coastal Bend’s bays and estuaries—ensuring they thrive for generations to come.

Della favorite quotes are:

“Jesus Wept” – John 11:35 (Holy Bible)

“Listening is not understanding the words of the question asked, listening is understanding why the question was asked in the first place” – Simon Sinek