Anne Brown Selected as New Executive Director for Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation
OutdoorHub 05.15.12
Following an extensive search, Anne Brown has been selected as executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, the official non-profit partner of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The selection was confirmed by a vote of the foundation board May 9 in Austin.
Brown comes to the Foundation with an extensive career as a conservation fundraiser. Since 2002, she has been with National Audubon Society and has served in several roles, including Texas State executive director, Vice-President of Strategic Gifts and most recently as Vice-President of the Central Flyway. During her tenure, she developed and managed campaigns for the creation of the Dogwood Canyon and Trinity River Audubon Centers, securing more than $20 million in gifts for land acquisition, construction and operating endowments.
“We are very pleased to attract the caliber of conservation fundraising leadership that Anne Brown represents,” said Foundation Board Chairman Kelly Thompson of Fort Worth. “Anne is a real pro, very talented, with terrific organizational and fund raising skills and a proven track record. She is an ideal choice to lead the Foundation.”
TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith had this to say about Brown’s selection: “Anne is an exceptional fundraiser and a deeply committed conservationist, who believes strongly in our mission, programs, and people. She will be a great asset and partner to the Department and we look forward to working with her to further our conservation goals.”
Brown is replacing Dick Davis, who announced his plan to leave the Foundation in February after serving seven years as executive director. While with the Foundation, Davis led a number of significant fundraising campaigns, including the new Game Warden Training Center in Hamilton County. He also helped to found the Texas Conservation Hall of Fame.
Brown will begin her new job May 30.
“I am deeply committed and passionate about the resources of the state both for myself and for my family,” Brown said. “One of the greatest legacies I could leave is to be a part of helping ensure future generations will have the opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors whether they hunt, fish, enjoy our beautiful state parks, or simply take part in my three-year-old son’s favorite activity-being knee deep in mud. I am truly thrilled at the prospect of bringing my skills and experience to the foundation to support the mission of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.”
Since 1991, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation has been the official non-profit funding partner for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. By bringing together companies, corporations, communities and individuals, the foundation has successfully raised more than $80 million benefiting a wide variety of projects across Texas.
