CONDON, Mont. – After six years of leading Swan Valley Connections (SVC), Rebecca Ramsey, Executive Director (ED), will be transitioning from her role.
Rebecca has become a partner in a cherry orchard on the east shore of Flathead Lake, and will be departing SVC in 2024 to steward the land, and grow a business and philanthropy plan with her business partner.
The Board of Directors has released a job announcement, with the hopes of having new leadership in place by the end of 2023.
Ramsey moved to the Swan to step into the role of director in 2017, leading the organization through a period of post-merger transition and investment in organizational excellence and exemplary land stewardship.
She finalized the acquisition of the Swan Legacy Forest property, the last quarter section of the Montana Legacy Project. Ramsey guided the organization in building a more equitable and inclusive culture, prioritizing and celebrating greater diversity on both the board and in programming; brought Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to light as an organizational value, and worked to grow and deepen meaningful relationships with Indigenous neighbors.
“Under Rebecca’s leadership, SVC has seen increased financial stability, the addition of an endowment fund, and additional funding partnerships,” said Mary Shaw, SVC Board Chair. “In turn, the organization has increased the geographic scope of work with private landowners, the number of educational offerings, partnerships with state, federal, and other nongovernmental organizations, and volunteer involvement. It has been a privilege to work with such an invested and compassionate leader.”
“It is an honor to live and work in this wild, wonderful landscape and to have been working with such a passionate and engaged group of professionals and volunteers,” Ramsey said. “It was a dream come true to move to the Swan Valley among the trees, water, and wildlife. I’m grateful to continue fulfilling my dreams by returning to my agricultural roots and farming cherries, while retaining my home in the Swan. I am looking forward to developing new relationships and positive impacts, while continuing to support SVC. I will be a lifelong ambassador for this critical organization, and look forward to continuing to volunteer with them and learn from them.”
The position announcement will be posted to the SVC website, among other outlets. Interested parties are welcome to reach out directly to Rebecca at rebecca@svconnections.org.
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