Friends of the Dunes Hires Suzie Fortner as Executive Director

Press release from the Friends of the Dunes:

Friends of the Dunes Hires Suzie Fortner as Executive Director

After a nationwide search, the Friends of the Dunes Board of Directors is excited to announce that it has selected Suzie Fortner as the organization’s new Executive Director.

Fortner’s background working as a dynamic environmental educator, an innovative Program Manager, and a highly successful Program & Operations Director for Friends of the Dunes for more than 15 years makes her the most highly qualified Executive Director that Friends of the Dunes has ever hired.

“We are thrilled to welcome Suzie as our new Executive Director,” said Desiree Davenport, President of the Friends of the Dunes Board of Directors. “She brings a deep knowledge of our community and environment, and a passion for collaborating with people from all backgrounds to advance coastal conservation. We are very lucky Suzie has stepped forward to lead Friends of the Dunes.”

When Fortner assumes the role on February 1, she will lead an organization that is currently working on the largest and most ambitious coastal land conservation and native dune ecosystem restoration projects in its 42-year history, as well as a true-to-its-roots nonprofit that brings thousands of Humboldt County kids to explore the coastal environments of Humboldt Bay each year on free field trips.

“I’m extremely honored and excited to take on this new role with Friends of the Dunes,” said Suzie Fortner. “The mission of the organization is very close to my heart. The work we do connects thousands of people with nature each year and engages our community in the conservation of coastal environments. The dedication of our volunteers, members, and supporters to the protection of Humboldt’s unique and diverse coastal dunes is truly inspiring and I’m grateful to be a part of this community-supported organization.”

Fortner has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology from UC Santa Cruz, and a Masters Degree from Cal Poly Humboldt’s Environment & Community Program, with a focus on nature education. She combines this strong academic background with years of practical, proven experience bringing thousands of students to the dunes for life-changing experiences, while successfully managing complex, multi-partner grants totaling more than $5 million.

“I was thrilled to hear the news of Suzie becoming Executive Director,” said Leisyka Parrott, California Coastal National Monument Manager for the Bureau of Land Management. “I have worked with Suzie for over 13 years on many successful, collaborative projects with Friends of the Dunes. Her leadership and commitment to the mission and vision of Friends of the Dunes is an asset to all who work with and support coastal conservation.”

“Suzie brings a wealth of knowledge to the Executive Director position,” said Andrea Pickart, Coastal Ecologist for the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. “Her friendly demeanor and strong work ethic promise to continue the excellent record of the Friends of the Dunes in coastal conservation.”

Fortner succeeds Mike Cipra, who leaves Friends of the Dunes after serving five years as Executive Director.

“Suzie is a thoughtful communicator, a natural collaborator, and an inspiring leader,” said Mike Cipra. “It has been an amazing experience to work alongside Suzie the last five years and to partner with her to grow our nonprofit’s positive impact. With Suzie as our new Executive Director, Friends of the Dunes’ future is bright.”