HeadWaters Land Conservancy (HWLC) announces the retirement of Executive Director, Laura Justin after ten years of service to the organization. HWLC’s Board has immediately initiated the hiring process for her replacement and will announce the new Director as soon as a selection has been made. Laura will continue to work as a consultant to the organization and Libby Benjamin, Director of Conservation, has been named Acting Executive Director.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to help HeadWaters Land Conservancy protect the most naturally valuable and significant lands and water in N.E. Michigan over the past decade. I can’t imagine anything more important I could have done, nor could I imagine doing it with a better group of supporters, volunteers, staff and Board Members. I will always be a part of HWLC regardless of where my travels take me,” said Laura.
Laura will be moving to Drummond Island, a lifelong dream fulfilled, along with her husband Curtis and their dog Bella. Taking a respite from conservation work, they plan to enjoy boating, hiking, fishing, rock hunting, nature gazing and wandering in the woods. Protecting area loons will also be a focus for the future.
As Laura steps away to enjoy some leisure time in nature, she has effectively set HeadWaters Land Conservancy on the course for continued success. “In her 10 years at HWLC, Laura has made significant contributions to land conservation throughout the 11 counties of N.E. Michigan we serve” said James Supina, Chair of HeadWaters Board of Directors. “Under Laura’s leadership, we have conserved considerable land and water resources in our region and built a dedicated team of staff, volunteers and members. From this solid foundation, HeadWaters Land Conservancy will continue its important work of protecting critically sensitive land for present and future generations to enjoy. We are tremendously grateful to Laura for her hard work and commitment over the past 10 years and wish her and her husband the very best as they enjoy a well-deserved retirement,” continued Supina.
HeadWaters Land Conservancy will continue to focus on land conservation and collaborative projects, working closely with private land owners and conservation partners. Additionally, they will continue their work on long-term goals, including the growth of an Endowment Fund. This initiative will ensure HWLC takes a proactive role in regional land conservation efforts in perpetuity.
Contact: Libby Benjamin LBenjamin@headwatersconservancy.org
989-731-0573
