We are excited to announce our new Executive Director, Wendy McDermott.
Over the past several months, members of the Conservancy staff and board took part in hiring a new leader, sifting through over thirty applications and conducting many in-person and zoom interviews. Enthusiasm for Wendy was strong.
"She is a life-long conservationist and has dedicated her career to the protection of lands and waters," said Buffy Lenth, our Watershed Restoration Specialist. "She understands the many values of private lands conservation and the art of working with landowners. She is quick to laugh and easy to get along with."
Wendy was raised in Cañon City, and her family has been in Colorado for three generations. She has a deep knowledge of this place and the challenges of rapid growth, drought and climate change. She has experience working with ranchers, water conservancy districts, conservation organizations and policy makers.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to work with such talented staff and a dedicated board of directors," said McDermott. "The decisions we, as a community, make today about the future of our agricultural lands and open spaces and the health of our rivers and streams will have profound impacts on our children and grandchildren."
We're grateful for Rob Tallmadge's leadership as our Interim Executive Director since January. As soon as Wendy comes on board, Rob will resume his role as Board President but will continue to provide additional support during her onboarding.
"I'm super excited to have Wendy coming on board to lead the Conservancy," said Tallmadge. "With her passion for conservation; her extraordinary financial, grant writing and fundraising skills; and her natural ability to collaborate with people and organizations from local to national levels, Wendy will be a wonderful asset for the Conservancy."
Wendy starts in July. Want to get to know her better?
We're planning an outdoor Coffee with the Conservancy event in the near future so you can meet Wendy and get updates about conservation and restoration work happening in the area. Stay tuned for more details about that.
Thank you for your support during this transition. Please reach out with any questions you might have.
See you soon,
Central Colorado Conservancy staff and board