19 Apr LINCOLN PARK CONSERVANCY ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lincoln Park Conservancy, a 34-year-old nonprofit working to protect, preserve, and enhance Lincoln Park’s art, architecture and natural environment, is pleased to announce that Doug Widener will take the helm as Executive Director on April 23, 2018. Chris O’Neill, who serves as the organization’s Co-President of the Board of Directors along with Co-President Julie Jahn said, “I am thrilled to have Doug join our organization. His proven record of nonprofit management and leadership experience combined with his knowledge of nature and environmental science make him well-positioned to lead us to a bright and sustainable future.”
Building on his previous experience, Widener will oversee all aspects of the Conservancy’s operations, including staff leadership, program direction, strategic planning, fundraising, fiscal management, marketing, and community outreach.
Most recently, Widener served as the East North Central Regional Director for the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). In that role, he led USGBC’s operations in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. During 2012-2016, Widener served as USGBC’s Director of Community Advancement. Prior to joining USGBC, Widener spent six years as the Executive Director of the U.S. Green Building Council – Illinois Chapter. Previously, Widener spent ten years in a variety of educational roles at the Chicago Academy of Sciences and its Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the last four as Vice President of Education. In that role, Widener was responsible for the funding, administration, research, development, and implementation of all educational and outreach programming.
Widener holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Studies and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, both from Ohio University.
“I am thrilled and honored to join the Conservancy and contribute to its important work of protecting and enhancing the cultural and natural resources of Lincoln Park. I began my nonprofit career in Lincoln Park over 20 years ago and this feels like a homecoming for me to a place I hold very special. I am excited to join a team of dedicated volunteers and staff who are ensuring this wonderful resource will be enjoyed by generations to come,” said Widener.
The Lincoln Park Conservancy’s mission is to identify, preserve and enhance the natural, historical, and cultural assets of Lincoln Park through restoration, management, advocacy and stewardship to benefit the Park, the public, and the environment while providing opportunities for education and community involvement. The Conservancy privately funds a variety of park improvement projects including historic buildings, monuments, natural areas, gardens, and playlots.
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