Suzanne Case Named New Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy of Hawai`i

Honolulu, HI — July 3, 2002 — After a year-long search, The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i has named Suzanne Case as its new executive director, the organization's Board of Trustees announced today.

Case, who served as legal counsel for Conservancy's Hawai`i program between 1987 and 2001, and was its Acting Executive Director for the past year, succeeds Rex Johnson, who guided the program from December of 1994 to July of 2001.

Case's appointment was effective as of Monday, July 1.

"Suzanne Case brings real expertise and experience to the job," said Conservancy Board member Sam Cooke, who headed the search committee. "Her knowledge of the organization, her ties to the local Hawai`i community, her legal background, her reputation and work ethic, and her expertise in Hawaiiana all combined to make her the senior candidate."

Board Chairman Jeff Watanabe added that Case's strong performance while serving as Acting Executive Director was also a key factor in her selection. "Suzanne didn't just hold down the fort, she stepped in and demonstrated real leadership," he said. "She was able to articulate a vision, motivate the staff, work successfully with donors and partners, and achieve solid results for the organization."

Under Case's direction this past year, the organization acquired its 11th Hawai`i preserve at Ka`u on the Big Island, started a new marine program, and helped protect a critical nesting site for the endangered hawksbill turtle by purchasing Kamehame Beach on the Big Island.

In her new capacity as executive director, Case will oversee an staff of 55 and an annual operating budget of $4.5 million. The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i has offices on O`ahu, Maui, Moloka`i, Kaua`i, Lana'i and the Big Island.

"It's a tremendous honor and privilege to be named Executive Director," Case said. "I look forward to working with the Board, our staff, and our many partners and supporters to continue the Conservancy's legacy of achievement in Hawai`i."

Case said the Conservancy's work will focus on three major areas: establishing and funding watershed partnerships on all the major islands to protect Hawaii's native forests and watersheds; halting the influx of alien pests into the state; and working with the State and other partners to protect Hawaii's coastlines and marine resources.

Between 1987 and 2001, Case handled all legal matters pertaining to The Nature Conservancy of Hawai`i, including real estate transactions and land management issues, grants, contracts, tax, and general corporate matters. She also has national and international experience, having worked for the Conservancy in California, the Western U.S. and Asia and the Pacific.

Case has handled the acquisition of six of the Conservancy's 11 preserves. She also negotiated the acquisition of Palmyra Atoll and two purchases that were transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: the new 4,525-acre O`ahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge in the Ko`olau Mountains and the 32,000-acre Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on the slopes of Mauna Kea on the Big Island.

Case was born in Hilo and attended Punahou School, where she was the first female student body president. She graduated with honors from Stanford University, and received her law degree from Hastings College of the Law, University of California, San Francisco, where she was a member of the Hastings Law Journal.