The Conservation Alliance is excited to welcome Kirsten Blackburn as our new Advocacy Program Manager. Kirsten began her relationship with The Conservator Alliance as an Ambassador in 2012 where she inspired her colleagues at KEEN to participate in Conservation Alliance programs. While at KEEN, she worked to create a movement of people dedicated to preserving our country’s incredible outdoor landscapes through a campaign called “Live Monumental”. She also managed corporate philanthropy and activism, including strategic non-profit partnerships and a grant program called the KEEN Effect. She was elected to The Conservation Alliance Board of Directors in 2016 and will undoubtedly hit the ground running as she transitions to her new role at The Conservation Alliance.
As the Advocacy Program Manager, Kirsten will develop and implement a plan to: engage Conservation Alliance member companies and their employees to participate in advocacy efforts in support of the projects we fund, and in defense of our public lands system; and to engage state and national decision makers on behalf of those member companies. Kirsten will also manage The Conservation Alliance Ambassador Program.
Kirsten moved to Bend, OR to join the staff at The Conservation Alliance HQ. “It’s a dream to join The Conservation Alliance team! John, Josie, and Serena are incredible and steadfastly dedicated to our mission, and the Board is made up of top notch friends, and industry leaders whose values lead first. I very much look forward to working collaboratively to take The Conservation Alliance’s advocacy efforts to the next level, and to build on the amazing 28-year history the collective team has created.
I am fueled by the authentic passion of grassroots nonprofits, constantly inspired by the power and people of the outdoor industry, and incredibly excited to work with our members to harness our collective power and engage in ways that will secure our wild places remain the way they are today, forever.
I will be forever grateful for a monumental six years at KEEN and for the friendships and experiences gleaned. The next chapter is an exciting one!”
Kirsten grew up in Whitefish, Montana with Glacier National Park as a backyard. Growing up amongst the beauty of Western Montana fostered a love for the outdoors and a burning desire to preserve them. She spends her time climbing, trail running, and getting lost in Oregon’s high desert where she serves as a board member for Oregon Natural Desert Association.
You can reach Kirsten at: kirsten at conservationalliance dot com.
