A senior vice president and director of city park development for The Trust for Public Land, Adrian Benepe is one of the nation's experts on the nexus of the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in public-space development and management. Born and raised in New York, Adrian served as New York City Parks commissioner for 11 years under Mayor Michael Bloomberg prior to joining The Trust for Public Land. During that time he oversaw a major expansion of the city's park system, including restoring historic parks such as Central Park and Battery Park, adding 730 acres of new parkland including Hudson River Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the High Line, and laying the groundwork for an additional 2,000 acres of parkland within the city.
In his career, Benepe has worked in leadership roles on park and public space conservation, design, construction, and operation, and in the areas of city planning, arts and culture, historic preservation, and landscape and urban design. He also helped to create or empower several New York business-related organizations, from business improvement districts to park...
A senior vice president and director of city park development for The Trust for Public Land, Adrian Benepe is one of the nation's experts on the nexus of the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in public-space development and management. Born and raised in New York, Adrian served as New York City Parks commissioner for 11 years under Mayor Michael Bloomberg prior to joining The Trust for Public Land. During that time he oversaw a major expansion of the city's park system, including restoring historic parks such as Central Park and Battery Park, adding 730 acres of new parkland including Hudson River Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the High Line, and laying the groundwork for an additional 2,000 acres of parkland within the city.
In his career, Benepe has worked in leadership roles on park and public space conservation, design, construction, and operation, and in the areas of city planning, arts and culture, historic preservation, and landscape and urban design. He also helped to create or empower several New York business-related organizations, from business improvement districts to park conservancies, including the Madison Square Conservancy, Jamaica Bay Conservancy, Historic House Trust of NYC, and Fort Tryon Park Trust.
Previously, Benepe also held the positions of New York City director of art and antiquities, director of natural resources and horticulture, operations coordinator, and director of public information. Benepe is also the former vice president for issues and public affairs at the Municipal Art Society and the director of the annual fund and major gifts for the New York Botanical Garden.
In addition to a bachelor's degree in English literature from Middlebury College, Benepe holds a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University, where he was awarded a Pulitzer Fellowship. In 1987, he participated in the mayor's Top 40 program, and in 1992, he was selected to participate in Leadership New York, a program of the Coro Foundation.
Malcolm Carson started as senior vice president and general counsel designate in November 2015. Formerly, Malcolm served as general counsel and policy director for environmental health at Community Health Councils, a health policy-focused nonprofit based in Los Angeles. In addition to the general counsel role, Malcolm led a program centered around environmental and land-use planning with a key focus on the link between access to parks and open space and health.
Prior to this he was managing attorney at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, supervising the legal teams for employment and community economic development. In this role he developed expertise in lobbying, employment law, environmental review, land use, real estate, federal tax exemption, and corporate governance, among others, and led initiatives to leverage land use, transportation, and environmental planning processes for the benefit of low-income communities and to improve client services by better integrating digital communication technology into their collaborative working processes. Additionally, Malcolm taught law and public policy at the University of Southern California, served on the California State Building Standards Commission, and was...
Malcolm Carson started as senior vice president and general counsel designate in November 2015. Formerly, Malcolm served as general counsel and policy director for environmental health at Community Health Councils, a health policy-focused nonprofit based in Los Angeles. In addition to the general counsel role, Malcolm led a program centered around environmental and land-use planning with a key focus on the link between access to parks and open space and health.
Prior to this he was managing attorney at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, supervising the legal teams for employment and community economic development. In this role he developed expertise in lobbying, employment law, environmental review, land use, real estate, federal tax exemption, and corporate governance, among others, and led initiatives to leverage land use, transportation, and environmental planning processes for the benefit of low-income communities and to improve client services by better integrating digital communication technology into their collaborative working processes. Additionally, Malcolm taught law and public policy at the University of Southern California, served on the California State Building Standards Commission, and was previously a deputy city attorney for the City and County of San Francisco and an associate at Orrick.
While Malcolm's work over the last twenty years has focused on improving the quality of life in underserved communities, he is passionate about the full range of our work and is an avid surfer, hiker, and bicyclist.
Ernest oversees the national divisions of The Trust for Public Land that provide our conservation services, which includes Conservation Transactions, Conservation Vision/GIS, Conservation Finance and Federal Affairs. Since joining the organization in 1980, Ernest has significantly expanded its geographic and program scope, laying the groundwork for its land conservation and park programs in New England and the Midwest and serving as its first regional director for both regions. After moving to a national leadership role in 1994, Ernest played a primary role in planning and marketing the Green Cities Initiative, which renewed and expanded The Trust for Public Land's historic commitment to urban parks. He also built the Conservation Finance program by establishing a nationwide team of staff and political consultants who have helped state and local governments create over $40 billion in new sources of public funds for parks and land conservation. More recently, Ernest formed a Conservation Economics unit and is leading the creation of large-scale national databases that allow for greater accountability and effectiveness of park and conservation programs for both public and private conservation partners.
Ernest oversees the national divisions of The Trust for Public Land that provide our conservation services, which includes Conservation Transactions, Conservation Vision/GIS, Conservation Finance and Federal Affairs. Since joining the organization in 1980, Ernest has significantly expanded its geographic and program scope, laying the groundwork for its land conservation and park programs in New England and the Midwest and serving as its first regional director for both regions. After moving to a national leadership role in 1994, Ernest played a primary role in planning and marketing the Green Cities Initiative, which renewed and expanded The Trust for Public Land's historic commitment to urban parks. He also built the Conservation Finance program by establishing a nationwide team of staff and political consultants who have helped state and local governments create over $40 billion in new sources of public funds for parks and land conservation. More recently, Ernest formed a Conservation Economics unit and is leading the creation of large-scale national databases that allow for greater accountability and effectiveness of park and conservation programs for both public and private conservation partners.
As a senior vice president and, East Division director, Jeff is responsible for overseeing 14 state and area programs including land protection, urban parks development, and community-based conservation. Jeff joined The Trust for Public Land in 2011 and has worked in conservation since 1994. Prior to that he worked for an international electrical engineering company. Jeff received his BS in chemical engineering, MBA, and PhD in ecological management communications from The Ohio State University.
As a senior vice president and, East Division director, Jeff is responsible for overseeing 14 state and area programs including land protection, urban parks development, and community-based conservation. Jeff joined The Trust for Public Land in 2011 and has worked in conservation since 1994. Prior to that he worked for an international electrical engineering company. Jeff received his BS in chemical engineering, MBA, and PhD in ecological management communications from The Ohio State University.
As director of Federal Affairs, Kathy DeCoster oversees The Trust for Public Land's federal policy, program, and funding work and represents the organization with the administration, Congress, and NGOs. DeCoster has worked for The Trust for Public Land since 1994 and spent 14 years prior to that on Capitol Hill working on environmental issues.
In addition to overseeing the day-to-day federal work of The Trust for Public Land, DeCoster currently serves as a lead strategist for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition and directs The Trust for Public Land's grassroots and outreach efforts in support of the coalition and the LWCF Campaign. DeCoster also provides advice on federal funding strategies to other nonprofit organizations such as the Eastern Forest Partnership, the Partnership for the National Trails System, and the New England Forest Policy Group.
DeCoster received an MA in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia and graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio with a BA in history.
As director of Federal Affairs, Kathy DeCoster oversees The Trust for Public Land's federal policy, program, and funding work and represents the organization with the administration, Congress, and NGOs. DeCoster has worked for The Trust for Public Land since 1994 and spent 14 years prior to that on Capitol Hill working on environmental issues.
In addition to overseeing the day-to-day federal work of The Trust for Public Land, DeCoster currently serves as a lead strategist for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition and directs The Trust for Public Land's grassroots and outreach efforts in support of the coalition and the LWCF Campaign. DeCoster also provides advice on federal funding strategies to other nonprofit organizations such as the Eastern Forest Partnership, the Partnership for the National Trails System, and the New England Forest Policy Group.
DeCoster received an MA in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia and graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio with a BA in history.
Margie Kim joined The Trust for Public Land in 2010 as its chief philanthropy officer, building upon a 28-year, successful record in human services, higher education, and conservation. She is responsible for planning and leading the organization's first national campaign, The Power of Place, a $450+ million effort that completed in 2016.
Prior to joining The Trust for Public Land, Margie was the director of philanthropy for the Asia-Pacific Region of The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Based in Hong Kong, she worked with TNC programs in China, Mongolia, Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Micronesia, and Palau. Margie was involved in planning the Conservancy's successful $1 billion Campaign for a Sustainable Planet and raised private funds to support conservation work in the Asia-Pacific region. During her six years at The Nature Conservancy, she also served as the deputy director of development for TNC California.
Previously, Margie served as vice president for the West Region of the National Audubon Society and director of development for Audubon California for four years. While at Audubon, she did volunteer...
Margie Kim joined The Trust for Public Land in 2010 as its chief philanthropy officer, building upon a 28-year, successful record in human services, higher education, and conservation. She is responsible for planning and leading the organization's first national campaign, The Power of Place, a $450+ million effort that completed in 2016.
Prior to joining The Trust for Public Land, Margie was the director of philanthropy for the Asia-Pacific Region of The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Based in Hong Kong, she worked with TNC programs in China, Mongolia, Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Micronesia, and Palau. Margie was involved in planning the Conservancy's successful $1 billion Campaign for a Sustainable Planet and raised private funds to support conservation work in the Asia-Pacific region. During her six years at The Nature Conservancy, she also served as the deputy director of development for TNC California.
Previously, Margie served as vice president for the West Region of the National Audubon Society and director of development for Audubon California for four years. While at Audubon, she did volunteer work with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's population monitoring study of marbled murrelets in the Tongass National Forest.
Before entering the field of conservation, Margie was at the University of California, Los Angeles, for ten years, serving as the director of development for the humanities, raising private funds for endowed chairs, graduate fellowships, and faculty research projects. During this time, she was also the director of the Letters and Science Fund, which included responsibility for the annual College of Letters and Science Awards Gala.
Prior to her fundraising career, she was a planner at the United Way of Greater Los Angeles where she worked with youth and family agencies in East Los Angeles, Watts and Compton. She also conducted an Asian/Pacific Islander health and human service needs assessment on ten different ethnic communities (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Cambodian, Laos, Vietnamese, Thai, Pilipino, Samoan, Tongan).
A native Californian, Margie received both her BA in linguistics/psychology and MSW with a concentration in community planning from UCLA.
Ann Morgan joined The Trust for Public Land in September 2016 as the senior vice president and West Division director based out of Denver. Ann has served in leadership positions at The Wilderness Society and the National Wildlife Federation and was a state director at the Bureau of Land Management in Colorado and in Nevada where she managed millions of acres for conservation and multiple-use. Ann also managed lands and aquatic resources for the state of Washington. Ann has helped conserve and protect millions of acres across the West. She earned a BS in natural resources from University of California at Berkeley and an MBA from Golden Gate University. She serves on the boards of Conservation Science Partners and the University of Colorado Law School's Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment.
Ann Morgan joined The Trust for Public Land in September 2016 as the senior vice president and West Division director based out of Denver. Ann has served in leadership positions at The Wilderness Society and the National Wildlife Federation and was a state director at the Bureau of Land Management in Colorado and in Nevada where she managed millions of acres for conservation and multiple-use. Ann also managed lands and aquatic resources for the state of Washington. Ann has helped conserve and protect millions of acres across the West. She earned a BS in natural resources from University of California at Berkeley and an MBA from Golden Gate University. She serves on the boards of Conservation Science Partners and the University of Colorado Law School's Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment.
An internationally recognized conservation leader, Diane Regas joined The Trust for Public Land in the spring of 2018 as president and CEO. Prior to The Trust for Public Land, Diane worked for more than a decade at Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), most recently as executive director, where she helped EDF advance solutions that promote prosperity for all people and for the planet. She guided work to improve ocean health, stabilize the climate, reduce toxins in everyday products, and promote collaboration and partnerships. Prior to EDF, Diane served at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, working under both Democratic and Republican administrations as the top civil servant protecting our nation’s rivers, lakes, and bays.
Diane earned her A.B., M.S. in energy and resources, and J.D. at the University of California, Berkeley, and resides in Berkeley, CA. An avid outdoor explorer, Diane enjoys hiking, cycling, diving, camping, and spending time in nature with her husband, children, and granddaughter.
"National change starts in our communities,” said Lisa Jackson, administrator of the EPA under President Obama. “Diane’s proven track record and inclusive vision will help communities...
An internationally recognized conservation leader, Diane Regas joined The Trust for Public Land in the spring of 2018 as president and CEO. Prior to The Trust for Public Land, Diane worked for more than a decade at Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), most recently as executive director, where she helped EDF advance solutions that promote prosperity for all people and for the planet. She guided work to improve ocean health, stabilize the climate, reduce toxins in everyday products, and promote collaboration and partnerships. Prior to EDF, Diane served at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, working under both Democratic and Republican administrations as the top civil servant protecting our nation’s rivers, lakes, and bays.
Diane earned her A.B., M.S. in energy and resources, and J.D. at the University of California, Berkeley, and resides in Berkeley, CA. An avid outdoor explorer, Diane enjoys hiking, cycling, diving, camping, and spending time in nature with her husband, children, and granddaughter.
"National change starts in our communities,” said Lisa Jackson, administrator of the EPA under President Obama. “Diane’s proven track record and inclusive vision will help communities create vibrant outdoor experiences for millions of people."
Brenda Schick is vice president and director of land protection at The Trust for Public Land, a position she has held since 2010. Brenda first joined The Trust for Public Land as a project manager in 2001, doing conservation real estate work in Oregon and Idaho, and in 2005 became director of project review. Since 2005, she has provided critical oversight leading to protection of over one million acres valued at nearly $3 billion in 42 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
As the conservation portfolio of The Trust for Public Land grows larger and more diverse, Brenda's role has grown commensurately. In addition to her internal responsibilities in risk management and creative interface with legal, parks, and transaction staff across the country, she frequently reaches out to important private and corporate landowners in order to create new land conservation initiatives. Prior to joining The Trust for Public Land Brenda worked in a variety of management, consulting, and mediation positions, including a tenure with The Nature Conservancy as the director of protection for their Oregon...
Brenda Schick is vice president and director of land protection at The Trust for Public Land, a position she has held since 2010. Brenda first joined The Trust for Public Land as a project manager in 2001, doing conservation real estate work in Oregon and Idaho, and in 2005 became director of project review. Since 2005, she has provided critical oversight leading to protection of over one million acres valued at nearly $3 billion in 42 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
As the conservation portfolio of The Trust for Public Land grows larger and more diverse, Brenda's role has grown commensurately. In addition to her internal responsibilities in risk management and creative interface with legal, parks, and transaction staff across the country, she frequently reaches out to important private and corporate landowners in order to create new land conservation initiatives. Prior to joining The Trust for Public Land Brenda worked in a variety of management, consulting, and mediation positions, including a tenure with The Nature Conservancy as the director of protection for their Oregon program. She has a BA from Lewis and Clark College and a JD from the University of Oregon.
Shannon Morgan Stearns joined The Trust for Public Land as senior vice president and chief marketing officer in January 2017.
Prior to that she was vice president of marketing at CamelBak, creating unique “Got Your Bak” consumer experiences that demonstrated the brand's hydration expertise. In addition to brand marketing, Shannon led the company's efforts in cause marketing and nonprofit collaboration.
Before CamelBak, Shannon led the marketing department for specialty retailer Illuminations, purveyor of high-end candles and home décor accessories. She created in-store, catalog, and online marketing campaigns including a highly successful customer loyalty program. Prior to Illuminations, Shannon was director of marketing at Smith & Hawken, a premium garden and home décor retailer. There, she developed omnichannel brand and marketing campaigns, including the launch of email marketing, promotional programs, and customer loyalty rewards.
Shannon has worked with a myriad of global brands, steering advertising campaigns for various Clorox brands such as Formula 409, Tilex, Soft Scrub, and Armor All, as well as national consumer research for Disney, Levi's, and Amazon.
Shannon Morgan Stearns joined The Trust for Public Land as senior vice president and chief marketing officer in January 2017.
Prior to that she was vice president of marketing at CamelBak, creating unique “Got Your Bak” consumer experiences that demonstrated the brand's hydration expertise. In addition to brand marketing, Shannon led the company's efforts in cause marketing and nonprofit collaboration.
Before CamelBak, Shannon led the marketing department for specialty retailer Illuminations, purveyor of high-end candles and home décor accessories. She created in-store, catalog, and online marketing campaigns including a highly successful customer loyalty program. Prior to Illuminations, Shannon was director of marketing at Smith & Hawken, a premium garden and home décor retailer. There, she developed omnichannel brand and marketing campaigns, including the launch of email marketing, promotional programs, and customer loyalty rewards.
Shannon has worked with a myriad of global brands, steering advertising campaigns for various Clorox brands such as Formula 409, Tilex, Soft Scrub, and Armor All, as well as national consumer research for Disney, Levi's, and Amazon.
As chief operating officer, Tim Wohlgenant works with leadership across the organization to carry out strategic initiatives and address challenges that confront a fast-paced, complex national organization. Tim was hired by The Trust for Public Land in 2007 as Colorado state director. Under Tim's leadership the Colorado office raised more than $92 million to protect some of the state's most precious and threatened lands for public enjoyment, and to design and build parks and natural areas where they are needed most in the Denver metro area.
Prior to joining The Trust for Public Land, Tim worked in the environmental dispute resolution field in Washington, DC, and with a Colorado-based private consulting firm specializing in public land exchange facilitation throughout the West. He has served on a number of nonprofit boards including Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado and the Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust. Tim holds an MS from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and a BA in biology from Brown University....
As chief operating officer, Tim Wohlgenant works with leadership across the organization to carry out strategic initiatives and address challenges that confront a fast-paced, complex national organization. Tim was hired by The Trust for Public Land in 2007 as Colorado state director. Under Tim's leadership the Colorado office raised more than $92 million to protect some of the state's most precious and threatened lands for public enjoyment, and to design and build parks and natural areas where they are needed most in the Denver metro area.
Prior to joining The Trust for Public Land, Tim worked in the environmental dispute resolution field in Washington, DC, and with a Colorado-based private consulting firm specializing in public land exchange facilitation throughout the West. He has served on a number of nonprofit boards including Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado and the Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust. Tim holds an MS from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and a BA in biology from Brown University.
