Milestones
Leader to Leader: Investing in the Network's Future
NatureServe has launched a new training program designed to increase the entire network’s effectiveness in environmental conservation by providing new and existing leaders with leadership training and practices. The Leader to Leader program, through the generous support of the American Express Foundation, will provide participants with intensive, year-long training that will strengthen the connectedness and capacity of our network.
The 20 participants represent a wide diversity in terms of geography, experience, and expertise, and can have an equally wide impact on the NatureServe network. In their first session in April, the class received training in methods and practices that can increase their current sphere of influence while building a foundation of skills for the future.
“The most beneficial part to me [of the initial session] was the time spent learning about the other members of our group and their respective strengths,” said Leader to Leader participant Bob Gottfried, database administrator for the Texas Nongame & Rare Species Program. “If this group is representative of the kind of staff we have in the natural heritage network, the network has a very bright future.”
The grant, the first awarded from American Express to NatureServe, builds on both organizations’ commitment to provide nonprofit managers with practical opportunities to learn and develop leadership skills. At the same time, the unique character and biodiversity focus of NatureServe’s international network enabled American Express to support the network’s valuable conservation work, important to the company’s environmental responsibility efforts.
All participants are highly trained in their disciplines, but Leader to Leader will give them the opportunity to gain leadership experience and confidence. “American Express has a longstanding commitment to the development of future leaders in the nonprofit sector,” said Timothy J. McClimon, President of the American Express Foundation. “Supporting this leadership training program for the NatureServe network is one way that we help ensure the continuance of high-quality community conservation leadership throughout the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.”
Learn more about the Leader to Leader Program ...
Leader to Leader participants at their first session in Austin, Texas. (Photo: Dave Anderson, Colorado Natural Heritage Program.)