For Immediate Release: March 20, 2020 | Durango, Colorado

Conservation Legacy’s Board of Directors announced today the appointment of current Interim Chief Executive Officer Rob Spath as permanent Chief Executive Officer, effective March 20, 2020.

“Rob Spath has served Conservation Legacy for seven years, his latest role being Interim CEO. Our board unanimously decided to appoint Rob as CEO, for he clearly is the best individual to lead our organization in these difficult times. We are also confident that when the Covid-19 crisis dissipates, Rob's leadership will continue to incorporate innovative programs and practices that are consistent with the vision of our organization,” states Enrique E. Figueroa, Ph. D., current Board of Directors Chair.

Rob is stepping up to lead Conservation Legacy with a focus on the implementation of the 2020-2022 Strategic Plan, in the areas of inclusion, impact, innovation, sustainability and the strengthening the organization’s federated structure. “We have a very solid organizational foundation to stand upon. I am proud of how Conservation legacy board, staff, members and stakeholders have embraced the challenges we have seen in the past and in the present and l am excited to take on this leadership role in a more permanent capacity. I look forward to our renewed energy and optimism as we begin to implement our newly adopted Strategic Plan goal and objectives,” states Mr. Spath.

Rob brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the organization, including time spent as the Executive Director of Southwest Conservation Corps Sonoran Desert Region, Interim CEO and President and Chief Operating Officer of The Corps Network, Executive Director of the Washington Conservation Corps and Conservation Legacy’s Chief Programs Officer. Rob’s passion has always been in working with youth and the outdoors. In addition to his career work, he was a volunteer youth coach in several sports for 17 years and also served as a commissioner for 17 years with the Washington State Commission for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps) and Arizona Governor’s Office for Service and Volunteerism.

Conservation Legacy operates local conservation service programs under the leadership of a national organization, delivering high quality programming in communities across the country to produce enduring impact. Last year, Conservation Legacy engaged over 2,200 youth, young adults and veterans in conservation, restoration and community development projects and contributed 1.2 million hours of service to public lands.

Conservation Legacy programs—Appalachian Conservation Corps, Arizona Conservation Corps, Conservation Corps New Mexico, Conservation Corps North Carolina, Southeast Conservation Corps, Southwest Conservation Corps, Stewards Individual Placement Program and Preserve America Youth Summit—engage participants on diverse conservation and community service projects that provide opportunities for personal and professional development and meet the high priority needs of public land managers and community partners. Working in close collaboration with partners across the country, Conservation Legacy advances goals of increasing opportunities in conservation, stewardship, national service and workforce development.