3 minute read
Staff & Board
We‘re Growing Our Team!
Brittany Schweiger has joined the team as the Conservation Project Coordinator! Brittany graduated from New Mexico State University with a Master‘s degree in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology. She also received her Bachelor‘s degree in Biology and Environmental Studies from Lake Forest College in northern IL. Brittany will be working with communities, landowners, and volunteers on conservation projects, including planning, stewardship, urban forestry, and monitoring. We’re so excited to have her on our team.
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“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” - Dr. Jane Goodall
Denisha Martin has joined the team as the Communications Manager! Denisha‘s Bachelor‘s degree is from Christopher Newport University in southeastern VA, where she majored in Business & Nonprofit Management. She is an MBA candidate and received a Social Media Marketing Specialization certification from Northwestern. Denisha will engage with our communities, landowners, members, donors, and volunteers through external communications, including digital/print communication, social media marketing, and brand management. We’re so excited to have her on our team.
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Lao Tzu
Eric Wright has joined the team as the Land Conservation Program Manager! Through multiple positions with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and local not-for-profit organizations, Eric has gained a wealth of experience with invasive species management, habitat project planting, native plant landscaping, and prescribed fire. Eric’s passion is conserving, preserving, and managing natural resources. Eric will oversee land stewardship, restoration, and acquisition projects. We’re so excited to have him on our team.
“We live within nature, not outside of it.”
Betsy Papin
We are excited to welcome Betsy Papin as our 2022 NGRREC Water Quality Intern. Betsy is from Godfrey IL and will be starting at SIUE in the fall as a transfer student for criminal justice from Lewis and Clark Community College. Betsy has a love for animals of all kinds. She currently has an assortment of pets, including a Hermann‘s tortoise, bearded dragon, leopard gecko, and two dogs. She enjoys being out in nature and reading books. She loves trying new things and is excited and grateful to see where this internship takes her. Welcome, Betsy!
Carol Gentry
Welcome to the Board, Carol! Thank You for Your Service, Brenda!
HeartLands Conservancy is excited to welcome Carol Gentry to the Board of Directors. Carol is a long-time resident of Godfrey. She recently retired from SIU-Edwardsville and has a strong interest in community resiliency and smart growth in southwestern Illinois. “We are so glad Carol decided to join the HeartLands Conservancy board! She brings a wealth of experience in strategic management and event coordination and a passion for smart community growth,” said President & CEO Mary Vandevord. Welcome to the team, Carol! This year we say farewell to board member, Brenda Chandler. Brenda has served on the board of directors since 2016, participating in the Land Conservation Committee. “Brenda was instrumental in helping HeartLands evaluate land transactions and property donations. We thank her immensely for her service to the organization and greater region,” said President & CEO Mary Vandevord. Brenda and her husband Brad own Property Peddler, Inc, a real estate and auction company based in Monroe County. Thank you, Brenda!
Brenda Chandler
Join Us! If you are interested in volunteering or joining our team, watch our web page for opportunities throughout the year. Follow us on Facebook and Linkedin. Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to have up to date information and
