Conservation Foundation in Bold Growth Mode

August 4, 2021 – Osprey

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces strategic growth to answer the community’s call to lead with the creation of four new positions and several internal promotions in the departments of land protection, philanthropy, and marketing. 

“These new staff members will help us answer the community’s call to lead the region’s land conservation effort,” notes Glenn Shipley, board chair. “Our strategic plan outlines our bold goals and maps our strategies to safeguard our most precious resources in this race against time.”   Christine Johnson, president adds, “Thanks to our Board of Trustees, we are positioned to protect even more land and water, for the benefit of people and nature.”

Lee Amos, staff biologist and land steward was promoted to Land Stewardship Manager after more than ten years with the foundation. Amos earned his BA in Biology from Tennessee Wesleyan College and specializes in plant propagation and land restoration.

John Besson is the new Land Steward.  Besson will join Amos in managing protected lands, monitoring conservation easements and assisting in the acquisition of new properties. Besson has a BS in Environmental Studies and Spanish from Wofford College.

Terry Grady is the new Major Gifts Officer. Grady holds graduate training from the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management at Villanova University, and undergraduate training in Communications and Advertising at Michigan State University. Grady has more than ten years of relevant experience in all aspects of major gifts fundraising, planned giving, campaigns, and donor development as well as considerable experience with the many facets of conservation, climate, and advocacy issues.

Heather Jacob was hired as Database Administrator and has nine years of philanthropic data management experience. She holds AS degrees in Web Programming and Database Administration from Ivy Tech Community College in Fort Wayne, IN and a BS from Western Governor’s University in Healthcare Informatics.

Sam Valentin transitioned to the newly created position of Marketing and Communications Manager after three years as Special Events Manager. Valentin has a BS in Marketing from University of South Florida and numerous professional certifications.

Jillian Rockafellow is the new Special Events Manager. Rockafellow has a BAA in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services Administration, with an Event Management concentration from Central Michigan University.

Michael Greatchus was hired for the new position of Executive Assistant. Greatchus graduated from Hesser College in New Hampshire and brings extensive experience in administrative and business management.

Visit conservationfoundation.com/calltolead to learn more about their vision and strategic plan.