A new Executive Director has taken the helm of the Kings River Conservancy with a focus on community engagement and conservation. Molly Schnur-Salimbene was named the new executive director of the conservancy in its monthly “Kings River Currents” newsletter. Schnur-Salimbene first joined the conservancy as an education director about seven months ago. She took on the role April 1 after previous executive director Vernon Crowder announced his retirement in January. Schnur-Salimbene hopes to “create more of a sense of community with our local communities along the Kings and increase our visibility” in her new role. … A new education director was also announced. Erica Chaffee will take Schnur-Salimbene’s former role. Born and raised in Fresno, Chaffee has a Master’s Degree in early childhood education with a focus in special education.