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Dear Groundswell Conservancy Supporter,
I am writing to let you know that Angela West Blank, the executive director of Groundswell Conservancy, will be leaving Groundswell. She has taken a position as senior development director with Emerge America. Emerge is a national organization that recruits and trains women to run for political office and creates a more inclusive democracy.
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I’d like to express our gratitude to Angela for all that the organization has accomplished under her leadership. These achievements include:
- Our partnership with the Town of Westport to protect 105 acres of grassland, wetlands, and oak woods near Lake Mendota from development —Groundswell’s largest land protection effort to date.
- Doubling funding to support our Buy Protect Sell program, which creates a pipeline to farmland ownership for farmers and land seekers who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
- Adding new Groundswell staff, enhancing our capacity to achieve conservation goals and better serve the community.
- Updating Groundswell’s personnel and other policies to advance our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Angela’s last day at Groundswell will be July 31. I am pleased to announce that Heidi Habeger, Groundswell’s director of major and planned gifts, has agreed to serve as interim executive director. The board will conduct a search for Angela’s permanent replacement.
Heidi has been with Groundswell for more than 14 years. As director of major & planned gifts, she directs Groundswell’s private fundraising, outreach, and communication programs. Heidi has built relationships and trust with donors, volunteers, partners, and landowners, which has helped Groundswell expand its efforts and conservation impact.
Groundswell is in a strong financial position. We also have an outstanding group of skilled and dedicated staff members who will continue our inspiring and essential work to protect special places, forever.
The Board of Directors is committed to supporting Heidi and all of the staff to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Please join me in thanking Angela for the expertise and leadership she has brought to Groundswell and in supporting Heidi as she steps up to lead as our interim executive director. Stay tuned for updates on our search for Angela’s replacement.
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