Jessica McDonald, Executive Director
Thank you for being long time friends, supporters and collaborative partners of Greenbelt Land Trust!
The Board and Staff of Greenbelt Land Trust are delighted to announce Jessica McDonald as their new Executive Director. Five months ago we launched a nationwide search that attracted a large number of applicants, given Greenbelt’s excellent and well-earned reputation regionally and nationally. A rigorous selection and interview process culminated in the Board of Directors’ unanimous decision to select McDonald to lead the organization. Jessica succeeds Michael Pope, whose leadership guided the organization for the last 10 years.
Jessica has been steeped in land trust leadership for 11 years, and brings a deep knowledge of conservation, fundraising, and coalition-building to the organization. She joined the staff of Greenbelt Land Trust in 2009 as Development Director, building the organization’s fundraising and outreach programs. In 2016 Jessica transitioned into the role of Associate Director, where she led the creation of the organization’s business and strategic plans, directed a capital campaign, and led a national accreditation effort. Under Jessica’s guidance Greenbelt has tripled its operational assets and annual income and expanded its regional reach.
To her new role as executive director Jessica brings a deep commitment to the land trust’s mission, and long-standing relationships with our donors and partners. She helped launch the Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts in 2011, and continues to serve in leadership capacities to move statewide conservation policies forward. She has established a national reputation as a strategic leader and respectful collaborator. In addition to her leadership in conservation, Jessica has demonstrated inspiring community leadership, investing in regional movements to identify creative solutions for affordable housing, homelessness, and voter education.
Raised in the Willamette Valley, Jessica’s sense of place and commitment to the legacy of our region and the health of our communities is clear. “I came to understand early on the awesome responsibility we all share to be stewards of these lands and rivers in our backyard. As we look to the future of this region, the path ahead of us is daunting. We face a climate in crisis, increasing demands on our natural resources, and an economy on shaky ground. However, I am confident that we will rise to the challenge and move our conservation vision forward at this critical moment. Together with a talented staff and with our inspiring donors, partners and volunteer leadership, we are poised to grow our legacy for generations to come. I am honored to take the helm from my friend Michael Pope, and excited for the next chapter of Greenbelt Land Trust.”
Cheers to you, our supporters and partners – and here’s to the legacy we are creating together!
Curtis Rose, Board President
Michael Pope is someone you can always find in a crowded room. His tall frame rises above others, his long legs the bane of existence for us short-people, who implore Michael to ‘slow down’ as we walk to the sandwich shop or up the trail. But Michael isn’t one to slow down. He’s always moving, energetic and excited by the vision of a new connecting trail, bringing together the puzzle pieces of a regional partnership, or finally completing the installation of a horseshoe pit at Bald Hill Farm.
He points the way,
leading the charge,
aligning people together
towards a common goal.
Forward, moving,
onward
in friendship and humor
to the next chapter.
We’ve all benefited from Michael’s sense of direction and his willingness to ‘steer the ship’ for Greenbelt Land Trust. Our trajectory of growth and work is tied to his tireless momentum and drive forward.
After nine years at the helm, Michael has decided to follow a new adventure in life … and while he will be missed mightily, we know that he has set a chart forward for us all. Now … if he’d just slow down enough for us all to catch up!
