NEWS

We at the Green Leadership Trust are honored to celebrate one of our co-founders - Kent Salazar!Kent Salazar is a remarkable individual whose passion for public lands and dedication to conservation has made a profound impact on the diverse and cultural communities he serves. Born and raised amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the American Southwest, Salazar developed an innate connection to nature and a profound appreciation for the beauty and importance of our natural heritage.From an early age, Salazar understood that the stewardship of public lands was not only crucial for preserving the environment but also for ensuring the well-being and prosperity of future generations. This understanding fueled his drive to make a difference, leading him on a path of advocacy and action.With unwavering commitment and a tireless work ethic and pairing passion with pragmatism, Salazar has become a trusted leader in the field of conservation. He has spent countless hours collaborating with local communities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to protect and restore fragile ecosystems, promote sustainable land management practices, and advocate for responsible outdoor recreation. Kent is one of the many who came together to make Green Leadership Trust who we are today.Salazar's dedication to conservation has not gone unnoticed. Senator Martin Heinrich, a champion for environmental causes, recognized Salazar's exemplary efforts and honored him with a distinguished award. The honor bestowed upon Salazar by Senator Heinrich is a testament to his unwavering commitment and the tangible impact he has made in safeguarding public lands and preserving the natural beauty of our nation.Beyond his accolades, what truly sets Salazar apart is his ability to inspire others to join his cause. Through his leadership and infectious enthusiasm, he has mobilized countless individuals, young and old, to take an active role in protecting the environment. Salazar firmly believes that everyone has a stake in the preservation of our public lands, and his efforts have ignited a sense of responsibility and stewardship in communities across the country.Salazar's impact extends far beyond his immediate surroundings. He has been a vocal advocate for the inclusion of diverse voices in the conservation movement, recognizing the importance of ensuring equal access to and representation in our public lands. His tireless work to foster inclusivity and promote environmental justice has been instrumental in reshaping the conservation landscape.  Kent’s vision and values also helped create and remains a beacon for  the Green Leadership Trust.  From the inaugural visioning meetings with a handful of environmentalists of color on boards of Big Green organizations,  to our last GLT  annual retreat during Climate Week NY, Kent’s steadfast leadership and infectious love of nature infused joy and fellowship as cornerstones of our work.As we look to the future, Kent Salazar's unwavering commitment to public lands and conservation serves as an inspiration to us all. His relentless pursuit of a sustainable and equitable future continues to drive positive change, reminding us of the profound impact that one dedicated individual can make. Through his actions, Salazar demonstrates that our collective efforts can preserve our natural treasures and create a world where both people and the environment can thrive.In honoring Kent Salazar's achievements, we acknowledge the critical importance of public lands and the urgent need for their preservation. His story serves as a reminder that we each have the power to make a difference, and that by working together, we can protect our planet - and the people who steward it - for generations to come.[embed]https://youtu.be/hkVNZeep2O8[/embed]

We, at the Green Leadership Trust, are on a path of solidifying our organizational development. As we enter our tenth year, we recognize that the pace of climate change and the pervasive nature of racial injustice in the environmental sector demand unprecedented action.We are happy to announce the return of Francisco “Paco” Ollervides, GLT’s first Executive Director, into the pivotal role of GLT’s inaugural Membership Director. Paco brings institutional memory, familiarity with the network’s members and steadfast dedication to the mission of GLT.Get a glimpse of Paco’s genius:Francisco Ollervides is better known as “Paco,” a common nickname in Mexico where he was born and raised. For over 21 years, Paco has worked in the nonprofit world, specifically developing leadership, and building capacity of individuals in environmental and conservation organizations in the USA and throughout Latin America. He served as the first Executive Director for Green Leadership Trust and was most recently Ocean Conservancy’s Director of Ocean Climate Justice. He previously worked for River Network as leadership development manager helping leaders in the Great Lakes region think and act strategically, equitably, and inclusively by improving their efficiency and efficacy. Paco served as Senior Field Coordinator with the Waterkeeper Alliance advising nonprofits in Latin America. He has also served as Director of the School for Field Studies (Center for Coastal Studies) in San Carlos, Mexico.He has been a resident lecturer and adviser in the areas of Economic and Ethical Issues in Sustainable Development, Coastal Ecology, and Resource Ecology and Management (Boston University). Paco’s main interest is marine conservation and strengthening individuals to ensure organizations’ continuity and success in the areas of strategic planning, fundraising, board development, and succession planning. He has participated in and presented at numerous professional and academic conferences, both in the U.S. and internationally. Paco is a biochemical engineer and marine bio-acoustician by training. Paco holds both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Department at Texas A&M University. Paco is based near Columbus, Ohio. In his free time, he likes to go on long walks in the woods with his entire family, travel, and savor local cuisine and history.Our powerhouse leadership team, Managing Director Dany Sigwalt and Membership Director Paco Ollervides, brings 3 experienced executives with extensive board expertise and network weaving skills to complement GLT’s visionary steering committee.Together we are expanding our marquee programs like the Cecil Corbin-Mark Vanguard Leadership, GLT’s onboarding and orientation program for new board members; deepening our engagement with indigenous leaders and young people on environmental boards; and maximizing our impact on a sector that has for far too long marginalized Black, Brown and Indigenous leadership.Please join us in welcoming Paco back at this pivotal time.In Solidarity,Emira