Conservation Foundation Welcomes Three New Members to Its Team

October 30, 2024 | Osprey

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is pleased to announce the three newest members of their team, Brooke Langston, Director of Land Protection; Shalla Ashworth, Director of Philanthropy; and Sarah Rubin, Youth Education Manager. These three join the not-for-profit land trust in support of their urgent mission to protect Southwest Florida’s land and water for the benefit of people and nature.

Director of Land Protection, Brooke Langston, earned her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California Santa Barbara. Brooke joined Conservation Foundation after nearly a decade with Sarasota County and 17 years with National Audubon, first at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples and then in California working in environmental education and coastal restoration. Overseeing Conservation Foundation’s land protection and stewardship team, Brooke works with landowners and the community to protect and improve the critical lands and imperiled habitats essential to the wellbeing of our region.

Director of Philanthropy, Shalla Ashworth, earned her bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in Museum Studies from Oklahoma University. She began her career as the Assistant Director of the Old Capitol Museum on the University of Iowa Campus and was promoted to director in May 2006 where she oversaw educational outreach programs, fundraising activities, collections management, and historic preservation of a National Historic Landmark. Shalla brings years of nonprofit experience, including most recently serving as the Director of Development for The Salvation Army Area Command in Ft. Myers, FL. Leading Conservation Foundation’s philanthropy team, Shalla works to secure the funds necessary to fulfill the organization’s mission and ensure donors are connected to the opportunities best suited for their individual philanthropic goals.

Youth Education Manager, Sarah Rubin, earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Salisbury University. An environmental educator for over 21 years, Sarah’s career focus is sharing the wonders of our natural world. She is a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association of Interpretation, a Project Wild facilitator, an open water SSI diver, and a twice-published scientific author. The newest member of Conservation Foundation’s education and outreach team, Sarah brings experience from zoos, aquariums, and parks across the country to provide incredible nature-based experiences for the diverse youth of Southwest Florida.