These two positions had previously been combined into one, but as our organization has grown the need for focused leadership in each area has increased. This also represents a shift in our leadership team structure and increases our team size by one. With a larger leadership team, a full staff of brilliant and enthusiastic individuals, and thousands of dedicated and inspiring volunteers, we are well poised for future growth!

So, who are these two new leaders? Glad you asked!

Jen, our new Development Director, comes to us from the YMCA of Greater Waukesha's Tri-County YMCA where she was the Executive Director. Throughout her career, she has been a program director in Milwaukee and Ohio YMCAs, Executive Director of a Branch and of Camping Services for the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee, Executive Director for Camp Matawa and Minikani. She has worked closely with the board and fundraising teams to meet fundraising goals and is well positioned to lead the Urban Ecology Center's growing development needs. She is energized by our vision and mission and is excited by the connection she can make between donors and the impact their support enables. She is well qualified for the role and is disciplined in developing and implementing strong strategies. She began her new role with us on September 20th at our recent HKE MKE event.

Jeff, who was promoted to the role of Director of Marketing and Communications, has held a marketing position at the Urban Ecology Center for the past six years. During that time he has helped build a marketing team and many of the communications channels that the Center now uses regularly. If you've noticed that our graphics, website, blogs, stories, videos and signs have increased in both quality and quantity, that's the influence of Jeff and the marketing team.

Of course, it would be a mistake not to mention the two other current rocks stars of our leadership team, Beth Heller and Judy Krause. Beth, Judy, and I have been working together at the Center for the past 15 years. Together, with our amazing staff, board and volunteers, we have shaped the Urban Ecology Center into what it is today. Beth, as our Sr. Director of Education and Strategic Planning is responsible for all of our programming, evaluation, strategic plan, HR and so much more. Judy, our Director of Finance and Operations, in addition to keeping our finances ship shape, also leads our facilities, and stewardship teams. Both Beth and Judy have been instrumental in our various capital projects and expansions over the years.

It is a powerhouse team and I look toward the future of the Urban Ecology Center with great anticipation and confidence knowing that I and the organization are in such capable and caring hands.