McDowell Sonoran Conservancy names new CEO
Apr. 8—The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy has a new leader.
The Board of Directors for the Scottsdale-based nonprofit — which supports the largest urban land preserve in North America — announced the appointment of Amanda Hofmann-Handy as the new CEO.
Hofmann-Handy started her career in zookeeping before serving as executive director for a children's museum. Most recently, she led the program team for the Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council.
In leading the conservancy, she will oversee 550 volunteers and 12 staff members.
Some three quarters of a million visitors annually hike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in North Scottsdale.
"This is an incredible opportunity that twines together the three things I'm most passionate about: conservation, learning and philanthropy," said Hofmann-Handy. "The harmonies I share with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy honor every facet of my professional and academic work."
The Scottsdale-based nonprofit has advocated for and championed the Sonoran Desert since 1991.
It serves as the steward of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in North Scottsdale, which includes more than 30,500 contiguous acres and 225 miles of recreational trails.
With the dedication of more than 550 volunteer stewards and 12 staff members, the organization advances natural open space through science, education and stewardship.
"She's not just a CEO with a strong leadership background," said McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Board Chair Margie Traylor.
"Amanda speaks all of the languages necessary to guide the vision for and future of our organization — from a hands-on understanding of environmental stewardship and the importance of a volunteer base to the critical impact education has on what we do for our Scottsdale community and scientific contributions at large."
Hofmann-Handy will steer the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy's strategic plan.
"I am confident our alignment will result in a truly impactful future for the entire organization, the land it protects and the visitors who enjoy the preserve every single day," Hofmann-Handy said.
For more information on the conservancy, visit mcdowellsonoran.org.
