Welcome Alan Rowsome, new executive director

Welcome Alan Rowsome, NVCT’s new executive director, beginning Sept. 5, 2017.

Alan worked for The Wilderness Society (TWS) in Washington D.C., for the past 12 years and led the organization’s government relations, advocacy, and conservation funding work. He co-led the America’s Voice for Conservation, Recreation and Preservation, a national coalition of more than 1,000 conservation, sportsmen, outdoor recreation, and historic preservation organizations. In addition, he was the national co-chair of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition, bringing together environmental groups from across the country to support robust and consistent funding for land protection each year.

As senior director of government relations for TWS, he advocated for conservation priorities at the federal level, and coordinated with 14 regional offices around the country to devise legislative and administrative approaches to solving local, community-specific issues. He has worked with land trusts and landowners across the country and advanced their goals for clean water and environmental resiliency.

“Alan brings a wealth of experience to NVCT,” says Gary Kirkbride, chair of NVCT’s board of directors. “His work at the national level with diverse constituencies and with land conservation organizations will build on the Trust’s successes over nearly 25 years. We look forward to continued and steady growth under his exciting new leadership.”

“This is an incredible opportunity for me to protect and enhance the amazing natural beauty of Northern Virginia, and continue NVCT’s good work in the community I call home,” Rowsome says.  A lifelong resident of the area, Rowsome holds a master’s degree in political management from The George Washington University, and a bachelor’s degree from Miami University (OH) in U.S. History, Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs. He lives in Arlington with his wife, Kim, and their two sons.

Rowsome was selected by the board of directors to replace Peggy Stevens, who in February announced her retirement.