Stephen Thor Johnson

Background

About Stephen Thor Johnson

Strategic conservation leader with broad experience in non-profit and for-profit enterprises, government and science. 30 years experience applying creative thinking and a collaborative approach to resource conservation and stewardship, with sustainable community development, informed by deeply-held values for environmental justice. Key accomplishments: Bullard Fellow, Harvard Forest - Researched opportunities and challenges to land trusts in the 21st Century with an emphasis on small organizations. Presented findings at Harvard Forest seminars and Land Trust Alliance Rally (2010, 2011) At Gallatin Valley Land Trust: In 5 years, completed 32 conservation easements, conserving acres for a 44% increase in total area conserved. Grew Stewardship Fund by 40%. Created efficient systems and led organization to become one of the first awarded Accredited Land Trust distinction by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission in 2008. At Sudbury Valley Trustees: CEO of regional conservation organization overseeing all administrative and financial operations, including fundraising, recruiting and retaining staff and board. Initiated strategic planning and overhauled systems, including conservation easement stewardship and IT. Implemented landscape scale conservation strategies. Grew budget from to over $1 million. Specialties: Core competencies include: land use and conservation strategy; conservation real estate transactions; public policy analysis; research; budgeting and finance; coalition building; community organizing; recruiting; mentoring; and fundraising.