The Nature Conservancy Names Peggy Ladner State Director

Minneapolis, MN—July 10, 2006--The Nature Conservancy has announced that Peggy Ladner, Assistant State Director of Philanthropy and Operations for the Minnesota chapter, has accepted the position of State Director for Minnesota and Dakotas, effective July 3.

As State Director, Ladner’s areas of responsibility include Minnesota, the northern plains of North and South Dakota and the Upper Mississippi River. She will be in charge of producing measurable conservation results and setting priorities for the chapter, and will play a lead role in major gifts fundraising.

“Peggy Ladner has been one of the most committed conservationists in Minnesota, demonstrating leadership in her roles with Clean Water Action and the League of Conservation Voters as well as her position as Assistant State Director for the Conservancy,” said Rob McKim, Vice President for the Central U.S. Region. “This new position is recognition of her leadership capabilities and depth of her commitment to Minnesota’s natural heritage.”

In her previous position, Ladner oversaw operations and fundraising for Minnesota and the Dakotas, including raising half of the state operating budget and capital fund. She also served on the Conservancy’s philanthropy cabinet. Prior to that, Ladner served as Director of Development for the chapter.

In her nine years at the Conservancy, Ladner implemented the Minnesota Campaign for Conservation that generated $18.1 million and restructured the development department. More recently, Ladner has been leading the efforts of the Minnesota Forest Legacy Partnership to raise some $26 million of private and public funds to protect the state’s industrial forestland to ensure sustainable forest management, public access and wildlife habitat.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take on this new role at The Nature Conservancy,” remarked Ladner. “Minnesota has a long and successful history so building on that and working to integrate our work with the Dakotas will be a fun challenge. And, of course, it is an exciting time at the Conservancy overall with so many opportunities for conservation around the globe.”

Ladner has worked for environmental and conservation organizations for her entire career, including as state and regional director for Clean Water Action. She has over twenty years experience with nonprofit boards and is a board member of the Minnesota League of Conservation Voters.