Desert Foothills Land Trust President & CEO Vicki Preston to Join the Trust for Public Land in Ohio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Desert Foothills Land Trust President & CEO Vicki Preston to Join the Trust for Public Land in Ohio; Patrick McWhortor to step in as Interim President & CEO

Continuing more than two decades in conservation, Preston returns to Ohio roots while celebrating a transformative tenure in Arizona

CAVE CREEK, AZ – Desert Foothills Land Trust (DFLT) announced today that President & CEO Vicki Preston will be leaving the organization at the end of December to join The Trust for Public Land (TPL) in Ohio.

During her 13-year tenure at DFLT, Preston nearly doubled the acreage under conservation protection and built a strong foundation for the organization's future. "Leading Desert Foothills Land Trust has been one of the great honors of my career," said Preston. "I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together – from protecting critical desert landscapes to building educational programs that bring our community closer to the natural world. The Desert Foothills region is truly special, and while I am returning to my home state of Ohio, DFLT and the desert will always hold a place in my heart."

The Desert Foothills Land Trust extends its heartfelt appreciation to Vicki Preston for her outstanding leadership and wishes her continued success in her future endeavors. Patrick McWhortor has agreed to manage the transition as Interim President & CEO. McWhortor is familiar to DFLT, serving as Executive Director in 2016 prior to Preston’s promotion. McWhortor, who has lived in the Cave Creek area for nearly 30 years, brings extensive nonprofit leadership experience to his interim role. He has led many organizations as an interim executive after his ten years as founder and President of the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and national leadership as Chair of the National Council of Nonprofits. The Board will work with McWhortor to conduct a search for a new leader to move the organization forward with a focus on increased conservation and community engagement.

"Vicki has been an extraordinary leader for Desert Foothills Land Trust," said Bill Oelman, DFLT Board Chair. "She has transformed this organization, expanding our portfolio of protected lands and building a talented team that will carry our mission forward. Her ability to bring people together, build strong relationships, and inspire a shared vision for conservation has been central to our success. These are big shoes to fill, and we are grateful for everything she has accomplished and wish her continued success in this

exciting new chapter. She leaves the organization in excellent hands with an amazing staff who share a deep commitment to conservation and DFLT’s mission to connect people to nature through land conservation and community engagement.”

About Desert Foothills Land Trust Desert Foothills Land Trust is dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural desert environment through land conservation, stewardship, and education.

Media Contact: Rachel Stringham

rstringham@dflt.org

480.488.6131 x 201