Montpelier, VT – Brian Shupe, Executive Director of the Vermont Natural Resources (VNRC), announced today that he will be stepping down at the end of this coming summer after serving in that position for nearly 13 years. 

Will Lintilhac, Chair of the VNRC Board of Directors, shared, “The Board thanks Brian for all that he has done for VNRC. Much has changed in the past 13 years under his tenure, and much has been accomplished. He has demonstrated real leadership in guiding VNRC as a visionary organization working for a vibrant future for Vermont. Like any true leader, he knows when to step back and create space for new leadership to flourish. We are sorry about his decision to leave, but are confident that our Board and talented staff will navigate the transition well.”

Shupe joined VNRC as its Sustainable Communities Program Director in 2008 and transitioned into the Executive Director position in 2011. During Shupe’s tenure as Executive Director, VNRC has doubled its staff and budget, expanded its mission, and entered into a strategic partnership with Vermont Conservation Voters that has made both organizations stronger and more effective. 

“Brian has provided the Board ample time to consider the process and timeline for his departure. We have established a Transition Committee made up of members of VNRC’s Board and our partner organization, Vermont Conservation Voters’ Board, to oversee the search for a new Executive Director and assist with the transition,” Lintilhac explained.

“I’m not ready to retire,” Shupe explained, “I consider it repurposing. I’m ready for something different that allows me more time to enjoy Vermont’s outdoors, travel, and spend much less time online and in meetings.”

He went on to say, “It has been an incredible privilege to have served the state in this role, and to have worked with such outstanding and committed colleagues on both the staff and Board. I’m proud of where VNRC is today, and believe that we are well positioned for a new leader with a fresh vision to take the organization even further.”

Lintilhac added, “We are fortunate that Brian is leaving VNRC on solid footing. Our goal and expectation is to have a new person in the Executive Director role in August of this year. We expect a 4-6 week transition period following the hire, where we will retain the services of the transition consultant to help with the first pages of our new chapter.”  

Find a letter from Shupe to VNRC’s membership here. More information about VNRC’s leadership transition will be forthcoming at www.vnrc.org.   

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Contact: 

Greta Hasler, Communications Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council

ghasler@vnrc.org, 802-223-2328 ext. 121