WPC PRESIDENT LARRY SCHWEIGER NAMED PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy bids farewell to leader and visionary
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC), Pennsylvania's oldest, independent conservancy, announced today that President Larry J. Schweiger, will be leaving WPC to become president of the National Wildlife Federation, the nation's leading conservation advocacy and education group. Schweiger has served as president of WPC since 1996.
It's difficult for me to leave WPC, after having accomplished so much and working closely with so many wonderful people, said Schweiger. But this is a great opportunity for me to advance the work we have done so effectively here in Western Pennsylvania to a much larger arena.
Effective April 5, 2004, Schweiger becomes the president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, following an extensive search. Schweiger is no stranger to the National Wildlife Federation, having worked with them from 1981 to 1995, serving as publisher of four award-winning NWF magazines: National Wildlife, International Wildlife, Your Big Back Yard, and Ranger Rick . Before serving as publisher, Schweiger served as the senior vice president for Constituent Development and Conservation Action and was vice president of the NWF's Affiliate and Regional Programs Department.
Mike Boyle, WPC board chairman, will serve as acting president as WPC conducts an immediate candidate search. Cynthia Carrow will continue in the role of chief operating officer, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the organization. Cynthia has chosen not to be a candidate for the position of president and has removed herself from consideration for that role.
Under Schweiger's leadership at WPC, increased community interest in conservation has made the commitment to new and ongoing WPC programs possible. From 1996 to 2003, WPC's annual operating revenue nearly doubled to the current level of approximately $11 million. WPC's stewardship of resources is seen also in their operating practices. Low administrative costs allow 83% of every dollar contributed to WPC to go directly to advancing conservation programs.
Hallmarks of Schweiger's time with WPC include expanding ecological research, and increased visibility for WPC, through public advocacy and community garden and greening projects. The community garden and greening projects, designed to encourage the revitalization of urban spaces, have been well received throughout Western Pennsylvania, engaging over 5,000 youth and adult volunteers in 20 counties. Other WPC successes over the past several years include watershed protection and restoration, agricultural land protection, the advancement of public policy at state and national levels to advance sound conservation policy and expand funding for conservation, and numerous improvements to Fallingwater®.
I am very sad to leave the people and work of the WPC. My time here has been invaluable, said Schweiger. I can tell you with confidence though, that my experiences here have greatly impacted my decision to work for the NWF. My concern and influence surrounding the issues of global climate and conservation can now extend beyond the reaches of Pennsylvania, and hopefully bring improved results to this region.
In addition to his work with WPC, Schweiger is an active leader in the community, having served on more than 40 governing boards, commissions and committees. He currently serves as a trustee for Waynesburg College and as a board member of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, and was appointed to the newly formed Allegheny County Park Commission. He has also received many awards for his efforts in conservation including the Distinguished Service Award for Special Conservation Achievement from the National Wildlife Federation in June of 1995, the Conservation Service Award from the Christian Environmental Association in September of 1995. He was one of the Pittsburghers of the Year for 1998 and was selected as Pennsylvania's Environmental Professional of the Year in 2002.
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, a membership-based conservation organization, was established in 1932. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy's mission is to save the places we care about by connecting people to the natural world through protecting natural lands, promoting healthy and attractive communities and preserving Fallingwater®, the masterpiece home built by Frank Lloyd Wright, in Mill Run, Pa. For more information about Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, visit www.paconserve.org .
The nation's largest member-supported conservation education and advocacy group, the National Wildlife Federation unites people from all walks of life to protect nature, wildlife and the world we all share. The Federation has educated and inspired families to uphold America's conservation tradition since 1936.
