I want to extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude to everyone I’ve had the good fortune to work with for more than a decade – from staff and Board of Directors to the Budget Committee, conservation organization and agency partners, farmers and landowners, volunteers, contractors, and residents of Benton County and beyond. It’s been an honor to serve as Executive Director of Benton SWCD. I consider it the capstone to 40 years in public service related to natural resource conservation.

As I reflect on the career choices that led me here, I’ve thought about why I chose Benton SWCD as the place to work for what was likely to be my last full-time job before retirement. Up to that point I’d already had a diverse career: field biologist, environmental permit enforcement officer, restoration ecologist, grant writer and project manager, public policy analyst, scientific researcher, legislative liaison, farmer, and watershed conservation educator and outreach specialist.

I knew I wanted to continue in public service and to join an organization whose mission focuses on connecting people with place and provides opportunities for building awareness and taking action to address key natural resource concerns in our community. I can’t think of a better place to have landed, and now, 12 years later, I’m excited to pass the torch on to new leadership, with Michael Ahr taking the helm February 3rd. 

My last official day with the District is February 28th but you’ll see me volunteering at future native plant sales, Paddle and Pulls, and attending our ever popular Twilight Tour series. Thanks again for your passionate work on behalf of conservation!