FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kevin Duffy named new Vice President of Conservation for CLC

Cascade Land Conservancy names new Conservation Vice President

Press release on selection of Duffy to replace Ryan Dicks who is forming his own consultancy and working with CLC two days a week.

The Cascade Land Conservancy announced today the selection of Kevin Duffy as Vice President of Conservation Transactions as Ryan Dicks, the current Vice President, transitions into a role as a consultant to the organization.

Duffy comes to the CLC with a wide experience in outdoor and maritime issues in the Northwest.  He most recently was Executive Director of the At-sea Processors Association, a trade association representing U.S.-flag catcher/processor fishing vessels.  Before that he was Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

“Conservation is at the heart of the work of the Conservancy,” said Gene Duvernoy, CLC President.  “Kevin brings us leadership and great experience in managing complex organizations and in handling delicate negotiations.  We look forward to a smooth transition between Kevin and Ryan.”

Duffy will begin his work at the Conservancy Monday.  Dicks, who joined the Conservancy in 2003, has been Vice President of Conservation Transactions since 2006.  He will continue to work with CLC on many of the important projects he has been involved in as a consultant to the organization.  Dicks is opening his own environmental and public interest consulting firm, AirWaterLand.com.

“This is a win-win for the CLC,” said Duvernoy.  “Not only do we get someone of Kevin’s caliber but also we will continue to have the benefit of the leadership Ryan has provided the past few years on complex land conservation techniques and issues. As we move into increasingly complex transactions and as the tools of The Cascade Agenda become more sophisticated, Kevin will provide the transaction team with the guidance to move toward successful conclusions.”

Duffy is a graduate of the University of Washington and holds a master's degree in Public Administration. Duffy joined the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in 1981 and worked on statewide salmon issues in the department's planning and development section. He was Deputy Director of Commercial Fisheries before being appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner in May of 2000 and Commissioner in 2003. Duffy's work included Pacific Salmon Treaty negotiations, representing the State of Alaska on the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council, and federal budget coordination and participation in international fishery forums representing Alaskan interests.

Dicks joined the Cascade Land Conservancy in 2003 working as Pierce County Conservation Director before his promotion.  He was involved in such projects as the Mt. Rainier Expansion and the conservation of the Nisqually bluff.  Before joining CLC he worked for U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell and with SafeHarbor Technology Company.  He is a graduate of Georgetown University with a degree in Government.

Duffy will take over management of the CLC’s county-based Conservation Directors and staff.  The Cascade Land Conservancy has its headquarters in Seattle with principal offices in King, Kittitas, Mason, Pierce and Snohomish Counties.  Conservation directors handle most land transactions for the CLC.  They need a combination of knowledge of the landscape, political savvy, negotiating skills and experience in dealing in real-estate transactions. 

“I am looking forward to joining the Cascade Land Conservancy and working on its many cutting-edge projects,” said Duffy.  “This is a great opportunity for me to bring my skills to bear on the goals and aspirations of The Cascade Agenda.”

“This is the best of two worlds for me,” said Dicks.  “I will pursue my strong interest in land conservation in my own business and continue to work with the CLC to bring to conclusion important projects such as the White River corridor in King County.”

Maryanne Tagney Jones, CLC Board Chair, said she was pleased with the smooth transition in a key position.  “This is our most important department,” she said, “and we are excited to be able to work with both Kevin and Ryan to conserve the landscapes that contribute to our quality of life.”

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