Conservation Northwest Welcomes New Leadership for Its Next Chapter

Conservation Northwest is entering an exciting new chapter, with new leadership in place to help carry this work forward with vision and purpose.

The Board of Directors has selected Cullen Brady as Conservation Northwest’s next Executive Director. Cullen brings deep experience in conservation leadership, fundraising, strategic planning, and coalition-building. He currently serves as Executive Director of Bainbridge Island Land Trust and as Board President of the Washington Association of Land Trusts. His past roles also include Sustainable Northwest, The Wilderness Society, and The Nature Conservancy. Throughout his career, Cullen has built a reputation for thoughtful leadership, strong partnerships, and a commitment to practical, lasting conservation results.

Cullen will succeed Mitch Friedman, who will conclude his remarkable 37-year tenure with Conservation Northwest in mid-June.

It is hard to overstate Mitch’s impact on this organization and on conservation in the Northwest. For nearly four decades, his vision, persistence, and heart helped build Conservation Northwest into one of the region’s most respected and effective conservation organizations. His leadership has helped protect and reconnect wildlands, restore iconic wildlife, and bring people together around practical solutions that benefit both communities and the natural world.

In honor of Mitch’s extraordinary legacy, Conservation Northwest is also proud to celebrate the creation of the Mitch Friedman Wild NW Fund. This special fund will help support new leadership in carrying forward the bold, collaborative conservation vision that Mitch has championed for decades and support the organization’s work well into the future.

As Conservation Northwest prepares for this transition, the organization is also welcoming additional leadership. Lisa Quinn has joined the team as Director of Philanthropy, and Jasmine Minbashian has stepped into a permanent role as Communications Director, and Jen Syrowitz will hold a larger role in directing our landscape strategies. Together with our existing talented program and support staff, we have a solid team for the work ahead. Together, this strong leadership team will help guide Conservation Northwest into its next chapter while building on the organization’s long legacy of bold, strategic, collaborative, and pragmatic conservation.

“This is a joyful and meaningful moment for Conservation Northwest,” said Board Chair Bettijean Collins. “We are thrilled to welcome Cullen, grateful to have Lisa, Jasmine, and Jen in key leadership roles, and deeply thankful for Mitch’s extraordinary legacy. Conservation Northwest is strong because of the people who have built this community and sustained this mission over so many years.”

In the coming weeks, there will be opportunities to celebrate Mitch’s tremendous contributions and to welcome Cullen into the Conservation Northwest community.

There is so much to be proud of in this moment and so much to look forward to. Conservation Northwest enters this new chapter grounded in a powerful mission, supported by a strong community, and ready for the work ahead.