Contacts:
Lauren Hierl – lhierl@vermontconservationvoters.org, 802-552-0769
Brian Shupe – bshupe@vnrc.org, 802-498-5300
Vermont Natural Resources Council Names Lauren Hierl Next Executive Director
Montpelier – VT — After a thorough executive search, the Vermont Natural Resources Council is pleased to announce that Lauren Hierl has been selected as the organization’s new Executive Director. Hierl will officially begin her role on August 19, 2024.
VNRC is looking forward to welcoming in a new era of growth while celebrating the strides current Executive Director Brian Shupe has made during his 13-year tenure leading the organization. Since stepping into the Executive Director role in 2011, VNRC has doubled its staff and budget while expanding its mission. VNRC’s strategic partnership with Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) also began during Shupe’s tenure. Hierl currently heads up VCV, making her uniquely qualified to build on VNRC’s strengths and work to strengthen the organization.
Stepping into the Executive Director role, Hierl brings her experience growing VCV into an impactful organization that successfully advocates for strong environmental laws and helped to elect a supermajority of pro-environment lawmakers. In addition to her experience leading VCV, she also has a deep background in conservation and advocacy work at organizations including the Alaska Wilderness League and National Audubon Society in Washington, DC and at the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) in Montpelier. She has Master of Public Policy and Master of Environmental Management degrees from Duke University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Ecology from Dartmouth College.
In addition to her non-profit experience, Hierl currently serves as President of the Montpelier City Council. Leading with a passion for building a sustainable, equitable future for all Vermonters, she has demonstrated her dedication to community engagement. As a Councilor for Vermont’s capital city, she’s worked to expand housing accessibility, support a vibrant downtown through the pandemic and flooding, and help the city move towards their commitment to achieve net zero climate pollution by 2030.
Hierl stated, “With so many urgent issues facing Vermont – including climate justice, biodiversity protection, clean water, and resilient communities – VNRC plays a critical role in advocating for a better future for all. I am thrilled to bring my experience and enthusiasm to lead this talented team into its next phase of growth.”
Shupe, who announced his decision to step down earlier this year, expressed his strong support for the Board’s decision to hire Hiierl. “Lauren is a smart, capable leader with the skills needed to further expand the critical role that VNRC plays in shaping Vermont policies around climate, environmental protection and community development,” he explained.
The sentiment of the board is that we could not be more pleased. VNRC Board Chair, Will Lintilhac reflected, “Our search was thorough, and Lauren is simply the best person for this job. We will miss the steady hand that guided us under Brian, and we’re truly proud of what he has accomplished along with VNRC’s incredible staff. I’ve really enjoyed my conversations with Lauren throughout this process about what the future might hold, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish.”
VNRC, its staff, and partner organizations are excited to usher in this chapter of growth. During this time of transition, VNRC is grateful for all who support their mission to protect and enhance Vermont’s natural environment, working landscape, rural character, and unique sense of place.
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