(WASHINGTON D.C.) July 29, 2014 – The Student Conservation Association (SCA) today announced the appointment of Jaime Berman Matyas as its President and Chief Executive Officer. Matyas will succeed Dale Penny who is retiring after nearly two decades of dedicated service.
Matyas, who will take the helm in September, is the former Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of National Wildlife Federation (NWF). Matyas joined NWF in 1993, creating its first corporate marketing department and rising through the ranks to hold a series of senior positions. In her most recent role, Matyas set organizational strategy, built new constituencies and managed day-to-day operations. She creatively advanced the organization’s mission—and her own personal passion—to protect wildlife by connecting young people with nature.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jaime to SCA,” said Steven T. Seward, Chair of SCA Board of Directors. “She’s a perfect fit. With her spirit of innovation and commitment to diversity, we know she will take SCA’s nationwide student programming to new heights as we continue nurturing the next generation of conservation leaders.”
Matyas has served on the National Wildlife Productions’ Board of Directors and the Advisory Board of Nature’s Best Magazine. She is currently on the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Board of Directors and is a member of Rachel’s Network. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton School’s Executive Education Program and is a certified Black Belt in Innovation Engineering.
“I’m inspired by SCA’s national presence, interest to pursue new partnerships and track record of leadership development. I’m honored to lead an organization so uniquely positioned to meet the needs of young conservation leaders,” said Matyas.“Young people are the ‘farm team’ of the conservation movement. We need their energy and fresh ideas to stay relevant and effective. I look forward to expanding SCA’s impact as a thriving organization that represents the rich diversity of our nation’s youth.”
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact SCA Vice President for Communications Kevin Hamilton at 603.543.1700 x1185 or [email protected].
About the Student Conservation Association
Founded in 1957, SCA motivates and deploys thousands of young people who care passionately about improving their natural world. We put them to work in our parks, public lands and urban green spaces to make improvements and learn conservation and sustainability practices. We teach America’s youth to plan, act, and lead while making a tangible impact in conservation. Our members protect, enhance, and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and urban green spaces across the United States. For more information go to http://www.thesca.org.
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Read a Q&A with the new CEO as well as a statement from SCA’s Founding President Liz Putnam