We have exciting news to share! I am pleased to announce that Heidi Habeger has been chosen as the permanent Executive Director of Groundswell Conservancy.

At the end of July, Angela West Blank, the former Executive Director, left Groundswell Conservancy to take a new 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 accomplished under her leadership.

Heidi stepped in as interim executive director on August 1st and assumed the role of permanent executive director on September 5th. Heidi’s passion for Groundswell’s mission has been unwavering for the past 14 years. She’s played a leadership role in strengthening Groundswell’s relationships with supporters, volunteers, partners and landowners. Her institutional knowledge of the organization along with the board and staff’s trust allows her to hit the ground running.

In addition, Heidi’s vision for Groundswell is strong and well-aligned with past and future goals. She wants the organization to be a leader in innovative land protection and equitable access to land; she wants Groundswell to continue to provide the many lasting benefits of open space to all; and she is ready to roll up her sleeves and dive into the hard work needed to achieve all this.

Heidi started at Groundswell in April 2010 as the part-time membership coordinator. She then served as the membership & outreach manager before being promoted in 2015 to her most recent role as director of major and planned gifts. For the last 9 years she has led Groundswell’s private fundraising, outreach, and communication programs. Fundraising by staff and board tripled under Heidi’s leadership.

“I’m honored that the board entrusted me to lead this organization that I love and have worked long and hard to help grow. I’m excited about the tremendous opportunities we have to protect our special places, forever.”

Many people reached out to me to share their strong support for Heidi as Executive Director. Mike Foy, a former employee and current Groundswell volunteer, said something that captures, for me, a primary reason the Board unanimously selected Heidi for this role.

“Heidi is the living, breathing heart of the organization. She exudes a personal warmth and professional passion for Groundswell and everyone associated with the organization.  In turn, this engenders passion from the community to support and further the organization.”

With her wealth of experience, her strong work ethic, and her natural skill at creating strong and trusting relationships with staff, supporters and partners, we are excited about the progress we will make under Heidi’s leadership.

Join me in thanking Heidi for stepping up into this critical role. As Groundswell moves into this exciting new chapter, we thank you for your continued support.

To a world filled with green places,

Tracy Wiklund
President, Board of Directors