Appalachian Trail Conservancy Searching For New Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer

Online, August 2, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The Appalachian Trail Conservancy's (ATC) Board of Directors has launched a national search for a new Executive Director (ED) / Chief Executive Officer (CEO) after David Startzell announced his retirement late last year. Association Strategies Inc., a third party executive search and transition management firm based in Alexandria, Virginia, has been retained to assist in this process.

Having join the ATC in 1978, Startzell is the longest serving ED in the ATC's history. He was instrumental in launching the efforts to acquire a federally protected corridor for the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and has protected over 250,000 acres of public lands along a 2,000 mile corridor.

"Dave's contributions to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and his devotion to the Trail have helped the organization grow substantially over the years," stated Bob Almand, Chair of the ATC's Board of Directors. "While Dave will be missed, we are committed to maintaining the same excellences and high standards that he has established for the last 25 years in his current position."

Startzell leaves the ATC at a time of growth and development. The ATC has a membership of over 40,000 members, a vast network of over 6,800 volunteers, and an operating budget of $7.3 million.

As a volunteer-based organization whose mission is "to preserve and manage the Trail - ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come", the ATC is the only organization dedicated solely to protecting and promoting the world's most famous long-distance hiking Trail, providing outdoor recreation and educational opportunities for Trail visitors.
Founded in 1925, The ATC is a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and has regional offices in Massachusetts, Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The ATC is both a confederation of 31 local Trail-maintaining clubs, with assignments to maintain the Trail, and a membership organization with support from all 50 states and more than 15 foreign countries. Under agreements that date back to the 1930s, buttressed by federal legislation, the ATC leads a cooperative management system for the Trail in close cooperation with federal, state and local agencies and Trail-maintaining clubs.

Given the Trail's historic legacy of volunteerism, many of the ATC's programs are focused on supporting and encouraging volunteers. Some of the key activities and initiatives include Trail management and support, conservation, advocacy, and environmental monitoring and research. Some of the ATC's new initiatives include the Trail to Every Classroom and the Appalachian Trail Community program.

Applicants interested in the ED/CEO position should submit a cover letter and resume to the Association Strategies, Inc. at 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 or by visiting www.assnstrategies.com. The deadline for applications is September 2, 2011.

For more information about this opportunity or to view a comprehensive job profile, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/ExecutiveSearch.

About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy mission is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail - ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. For more information please visit www.appalachiantrail.org.

Contact: Javier Folgar
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Tel: 304.535.2200 x117
Fax: 304.535.2667
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.appalachiantrail.org