As I write this, it is my last day of employment with the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, as I start my retirement tomorrow and transition to the Board of Directors. Reflecting on the last 26+ years, I am proud of so many accomplishments and successes we have achieved together. Leading an organization that was instrumental in the designation of the Ironwood Forest National Monument, the adoption of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, working to ensure the passage of both a significant open space bond and the first-ever voter-supported funding package for wildlife crossings, are all big milestones, along with so many other exciting and positive projects that resulted from those significant achievements. But it is the ongoing work protecting land parcel by parcel and working on new conservation policies by educating and advocating that I have always found so rewarding.
The Coalition is in good hands. I leave the organization with a tremendously capable and caring staff. We have built a strong voice for conservation that will continue into the next decade and more. That is the foundation we have built, together with the passion and expertise that exists in our community.
I love this organization. I love this work. I am so proud of what we have all accomplished, together with all of you. You continue to inspire me.
I want to sincerely thank the Coalition’s amazing Board of Directors, staff, member groups, Advisory Committee, and supporters for entrusting me with the leadership of the Coalition. Thank you for celebrating this new season with me – I will continue to be involved with the Coalition as we face the challenges of the future. And I hope that all of you will continue the work of this incredible organization in the years ahead.
For the desert,
Carolyn
Recent media about Carolyn’s retirement
Bill Buckmaster Show 9/20/2024: Carolyn’s Retirement and Legacy Discussed at Minute 43:00