The Nature Conservancy - Jean Cornuelle Wears a New Hat

Jean Cornuelle
© Grady Timmons/TNC

When Jean Cornuelle told us she was retiring from the Conservancy’s Hawai‘i board after 11 years, we immediately found a new role for her.

“To not have Jean in a leadership role at the Conservancy would be a great loss,” said Executive Director Suzanne Case.

That is why the Conservancy is so pleased to announce that Jean has agreed to be the chair of our Legacy Club, a group of Conservancy supporters who have named the organization as a beneficiary in their estate plans. As chair, Jean will be our ambassador on planned giving.

“I want our legacy members to know how important they are to us,” says Jean. “To include the Conservancy in one’s will is to make a profound commitment to Hawaii’s future.”

Jean's interest in conservation started at a young age. In her youth she hiked over the Sierras and at age 10 was a member of the Sierra Club.

She was delighted when in 1980 her husband, Herb, was asked to join the board of the nascent Hawai‘i chapter of the Conservancy. As a board member’s spouse, Jean was able to attend the annual board retreats, which, in addition to being “great fun,” helped deepen her love for Hawaii’s natural resources. When Herb passed away, it made sense for Jean to step onto the board to carry on the passion they shared for Hawaii’s environment and for the organization – as she has done so admirably for the past 11 years.

“The Conservancy has a long record of accomplishments because they find ways to work with others so that everyone benefits,” she said. “After all these years, I am glad to be a part of it. My heart is forever with The Nature Conservancy.”