Liz Roxberry will exit position, board of directors thank Roxberry, are working together to ensure smooth transition
LANSING, Mich. – Fenner Conservancy announced today that executive director Liz Roxberry is departing the organization, and the board of directors has begun a search for the next executive director. Roxberry, staff and the board are working together through Roxberry’s exit date of March 31 to ensure a smooth transition. The board will be contracting an interim director, allowing the board to conduct a thorough search and ensure the selected candidate is the right fit for the position, the organization and the community.
“I can hardly put into words the gratitude and love I hold for my time here at Fenner Nature Center and the people, the community that make it so special,” Roxberry said. “I will always be a Fenner supporter, even as I accept a position much closer to home, allowing me more time to spend with my daughter, and it is my hope that Fenner finds meaningful and new opportunities in my departure.”
Roxberry has accepted the executive director position with the Friends of the Shiawassee River. Fenner’s board of directors and staff thank Roxberry for her contributions to the organization since joining the staff as the curriculum developer then the program manager in 2013, then interim director and finally executive director in 2014.
“Liz’s leadership during the last 10 years has been instrumental in shaping the organization into the regional asset and trusted community partner we are today,” board president Jessica Fowler said. “We wish Liz the best in her new position, and we look forward to building on this foundation during the organization’s next phase.”
Fenner Conservancy’s most recent accomplishments under Roxberry’s leadership include the addition of the Susan & Jack Davis Nature Pavilion, the acquisition of the former Sycamore Creek Driving Range property, its renovation for Fenner Nature Preschool, and the successful delivery of the organization’s largest grant to date: the $125,000 PNC Grow Up Great grant to create the PNC Lending Library, offering nature-based and child-led learning resources to regional early learning educators and underwriting lending library memberships for all Capital Area Head Start and Great Start Readiness Program teachers.
“The collaboration between the City of Lansing and Fenner has long demonstrated the power of public-private partnerships,” said Lansing Parks and Recreation director Brett Kaschinske. “As executive director, Liz turned potential into reality, which will benefit the community and conservancy for years to come. The City is grateful for Liz’s vision and looks forward to continuing the positive momentum with the Fenner team.”
To stay up to date on the executive director search, visit mynaturecenter.org/learnmore and follow Fenner Nature Center on Facebook. For more information about the interim and executive director positions, visit mynaturecenter.org/employment or email the board of directors at board@mynaturecenter.org.
About Fenner Conservancy: Fenner Conservancy, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and managing body for Fenner Nature Center, connects people to nature in the heart of Lansing through conservation, education, and stewardship.
