-
Evelyn Wight
Phone: 808-587-6277
Email: ewight@tnc.org
Today, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) announces Alison Cohan has been selected as Hawaiʻi Terrestrial Director, transitioning from her role as Maui Nui Terrestrial Director.
Cohan is an established conservation leader in Hawai‘i who began her career in marine research and conservation before transitioning to TNC Maui forest program as Field Representative in 2007. She became Maui Nui Terrestrial Director in 2015. With her team, she managed one of the largest privately owned conservation landscapes in Hawai‘i – Waikamoi Preserve – and led innovative projects on Maui, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i to safeguard native forests that provide freshwater, are home to native forest birds, and preserve local culture and resources.
“I am humbled and honored to be granted the opportunity to serve as TNC’s Terrestrial Director,” Cohan shares. “I look forward to collaborating and innovating with staff and partners to advance the important work of preserving Hawai‘i’s native landscapes and precious resources.”
Cohan has held leadership roles with various conservation partnerships including the Mauna Kahālāwai and East Maui Watershed Partnerships, the Maui Nui Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Working Group, and the Maui Conservation Alliance. She currently serves as a Commissioner on the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Natural Areas Reserves Commission, and as a Haleakalā Conservancy Board member. She was a fellow for Ka Ipu Kukui Maui County leadership development program and she completed TNC’s Emerging Leaders program.
“Alison’s dedication and leadership has been critical to the success of our conservation impact in Hawaiʻi,” says Ulalia Woodside, Executive Director, The Nature Conservancy Hawai‘i and Palmyra. “She brings years of experience advancing innovative conservation approaches and has developed productive relationships with partners, stakeholders and funders to build support for our work. I know she will carry forward that same drive and energy to guide our statewide terrestrial team.”
###
The Nature Conservancy is a global non-profit organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Informed by science and guided by traditional values and practices, we apply innovative, nature-based solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive. TNC has forged partnerships to manage 14 preserves and other sites in Hawai‘i and Palmyra Atoll, working with government, private parties and communities to protect Hawai‘i’s and Palmyra’s forests and coral reefs for their ecological value and for the many benefits they provide to people. Visit nature.org/HawaiiPalmyra.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 76 countries and territories—37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partners—we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.