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Christine P. Johnson named President

10/26/2011 - Staff Report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast named Christine P. Johnson as its next President. Ms. Johnson succeeds Albert Joerger, who served as President since founding the nonprofit land trust in 2003. Dr. Joerger was promoted to Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Conservation Foundation where he will continue to be involved in land protection, development efforts and environmental policy.Dr. Joerger said Christine Johnson will be instrumental in bringing new ideas to strengthen and perpetuate the organization while broadening the organization’s base of support. “Christine is the right person to carry the torch for land conservation in southwest Florida," said Joerger. “As a fifth generation Floridian, Christine shares our vision of creating an emerald necklace of pocket parks and protected lands along the Gulf Coast and her skills in management and organizational development will serve the Foundation well.”

Ms. Johnson has deep roots in the community. The Manatee County native successfully managed a $70 million fundraising campaign as Director of Development for Ringling College of Art and Design on the heels of another capital campaign as Director of Development for the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. Ms. Johnson earned a BS from the College of Charleston, an MBA from the University of Florida and has consulted with Fortune 500 companies. Dr. Joerger said, “Christine has a unique blend of education, experience, contacts and passion for the coast that made her the right choice to lead the Foundation into the future.”

Eight years ago, a small and dedicated group created Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast to protect the bays, beaches, and barrier islands of the Gulf Coast. Since then, Conservation Foundation has become a go-to organization for land conservation in southwest Florida. Together with partners, the Foundation has protected more than 8,400 acres on 23 properties. Joerger and the Board of Trustees agreed that the maturing organization was primed for transition and following a nationwide professional search, they concluded Christine P. Johnson would best strengthen and perpetuate the organization and its mission.

“It is an honor to follow in the footsteps of Albert Joerger who has done so much in eight short years to protect the character, natural integrity and biodiversity of our region,” said Johnson. “I am excited to lead this dynamic and growing environmental organization focused on protecting the Gulf Coast’s natural assets for wildlife, water resources, and of course, for people.”
 




"protecting our bays, beaches and barrier islands"