(Santa Fe, NM) – Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM) announced today that Demis Foster has been selected as the organization’s new executive director. Foster will join CVNM at the end of the month after more than 20 years of experience in the non-profit and environmental sectors. Most recently, she was the Santa Fe Director for the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance.
“I am honored to join the passionate CVNM board, staff and community of supporters that have built an inspiring and effective organization for our state,” says Demis Foster. “I look forward to leading CVNM as we continue to create a political climate where we can elevate pro-conservation values.”
Foster’s connection to the natural world began as a child growing up on a ranch in southern Idaho. These beginnings led her to develop a passion for conservation and an understanding of rural lifestyles and politics.
“Demis Foster’s extensive conservation background makes her a great fit for our organization’s mission of protecting New Mexico’s air, land, water and our way of life,” says Sarah Propst, CVNM Board Chair. “Under Demis’s leadership, this organization will continue to build a strong political voice for the environment in New Mexico.”
Foster said she envisions the organization expanding and deepening its relationships with conservation-minded New Mexicans while continuing to work to protect the water we drink, air we breathe and electing a pro-conservation majority in the New Mexico legislature.
“Demis is a proven leader and understands how progress on important conservation issues takes both commitment to core values and the ability to work with diverse constituencies.” says Jon Goldstein, CVNM Education Fund Board Chair. “Her background will serve CVNM well both in Santa Fe and across the state.”
Foster brings an extensive background in conservation and state policy ranging from grassroots organization to managing multi-million dollar campaigns. She has worked as an organizer, environmental advocate and conservation leader with organizations in New Mexico, Idaho and Washington. Foster has considerable experience collaborating with other organizations and government entities on the local, state and federal levels.
An avid outdoor adventurer, Foster moved to New Mexico in 2010 to explore some of the last wild and remote public lands remaining in the West. She was drawn not only to the unique natural landscape, but also to the culturally rich communities of people that have been rooted to these lands for generations. A passionate advocate for protecting her high desert home, she has worked hard to ensure protection for places such as Chaco Canyon and our newly designated Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
Conservation Voters New Mexico, a nonpartisan, non-profit 501(c)(4) organization, works to protect New Mexico’s natural environment and our cherished way of life. Our mission is to make sensible conservation policies a top priority for elected officials, political candidates, and voters across the state.
Contact: Liliana Castillo, 505-992-8683
