Whitney Schwab, Five Valleys Land Trust philanthropy director the past five years, as been named executive director of the organization. 

     Schwab brings a passion for conservation and over 16 years of experience in nonprofit development and organizational management to her role as executive director. As Five Valleys’ philanthropy director she played a key role in community conservation efforts in the Flint Creek Valley and on Mount Dean Stone.

       Schwab holds an MS in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana, and a BS in Natural Resources Recreation Management from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

     Having grown up on six acres that backed up to protected open space, she holds the mission of Five Valleys close to her heart. She is pleased to be able to have recreated that childhood connection by living at the base of Mount Jumbo, and having daily access to some of Missoula’s best open space. Whitney spends her time running, biking, skiing, and playing with her son, Lander, and husband, Nate, in Montana’s open spaces near and far.

       “I am honored to carry our work forward in this role, and look forward to working closely with our Board, my fellow staff colleagues, and our many partners and members,” she said. “Five Valleys has a legacy of accomplishing important conservation, and we have a tremendous scope of work ahead. Our momentum is great, and so are our opportunities.”