Thom Hulen, a native Arizonan and veteran of conservation and public policy work in Arizona, has been named the next executive director for the Arizona League of Conservation Voters and its sister organization, the 501 c(3) Arizona League of Conservation Voters Education Fund.
“This is a pivotal time for the environment in our state,” Hulen said. “Conservation issues are firmly on the radar screen in the media and in government, and Arizonans have an incredible opportunity to tip the scales in favor of conservation by getting out to vote.” Hulen said.
Hulen was recruited to the league’s board of directors in 2006. He most recently worked with the Desert Foothills Land Trust in Cave Creek, where he served as conservation director for many years, raising approximately $2 million for land acquisition and stewardship activities.
“Thom has not only proven his expertise in conservation policy, he has impressed us with his ability to build consensus and get things done. We are certain he will take this group to new heights,” said Anne Graham Bergin, board president.
Before working at the Land Trust, Hulen served as the Desert House coordinator at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix and as museum educator/park naturalist for the Pueblo Grande Museum.
Kate Widland, president of the league’s Education Fund Board, said, “Voters can help conservation when they vote in any race, from the top of the ballot to the very bottom. Next year’s election is a prime opportunity to elect pro-conservation leaders across the board. Thom has what it takes to take advantage of this historic election.”
Hulen will start as executive director next month.
The Arizona League of Conservation Voters is the largest member-supported, statewide conservation organization in Arizona. The league works to elect pro-conservation candidates to state office, educates elected officials on issues of importance to its members, and lobbies on behalf of conservation measures.
On the Web
The Arizona League of Conservation Voters Web site is www.azlcv.org.