Following an extensive search, the Friends of Cedar Mesa Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Joe Neuhof as FCM’s next executive director. Joe will begin his tenure with FCM on July 12, 2021.
“This is a pivotal time for public lands protections in southeastern Utah, and Joe is uniquely qualified to not only build upon FCM’s past success but also bring fresh perspective, a desire to forge new collaborative relationships, extensive fundraising experience, and organizational management acumen to move FCM forward,” said Friends of Cedar Mesa Board Chairman Vaughn Hadenfeldt.
Joe is a proven leader with more than 20 years of experience in conservation nonprofit work, much of it dedicated to the Colorado Plateau. He has served as an innovator heading various organizations, including as the founding executive director of Colorado Canyons Association – one of the most successful groups in the Friends Grassroots Network and a nationally recognized partner to the Bureau of Land Management.
Joe has also performed as the West Slope Director for Conservation Colorado, Executive Director of Save our Streams in Baltimore, MD, and as a board member for various nonprofits including Conservation Lands Foundation, The Civil Conversations Project, Colorado Plateau Coalition, Community Impact Council, and Red Rock Forests, among others.
Most recently, Joe served as the founding Executive Director of Forever Our Rivers Foundation in which he created a six-figure grant system, built sustaining endowments benefitting the Colorado River Basin, and created a community of more than 50 nonprofits and companies dedicated to river health.
“I am excited to return to work directly on public lands issues, and there is not a more critical time or place to be involved,” Neuhof said. “It is vital to the future of Bears Ears and the greater southeastern Utah landscape that visitation be properly managed, the agencies properly resourced, and Indigenous perspectives properly elevated. Friends of Cedar Mesa has a unique role to play in supporting Tribal partners, working with local communities to educate visitors, and rolling up our sleeves to ensure the cultural and natural resources that connect Tribes to this region and draw visitors from around the world are preserved for the future.”
Joe has a deep passion for the landscape; he has spent more nights in the canyons than he can count and has a keen interest in the San Juan River corridor.
“I have worked with Joe for many years and spent many days with him on Cedar Mesa,” said outgoing Executive Director Josh Ewing. “As FCM continues to grow, Joe has the ability to bring the organization to the next level. Many who have worked with him will tell you that he’s a passionate leader who collaborates with diverse communities and agencies to truly make great progress toward a common goal. I have the utmost faith in Joe’s leadership and am excited to see the amazing work FCM accomplishes in the years to come.”
Ewing will continue with FCM until mid-July to assist with the transition.
Joe was selected following a months-long search led by the Friends of Cedar Mesa Board of Directors in which they contracted with professionals from Schaffer & Combs, an organizational consultancy with more than a decade of experience in purpose-driven work.