King Conservation District Selects Rosa Méndez-Perez as Executive Director

After evaluating a field of exceptionally qualified candidates, KCD’s Board of Supervisors, with input from its staff and Advisory Committee, has named Rosa Méndez-Perez as their new Executive Director. 

​Rosa is an environment and climate advocate focused on issues of equity and community empowerment. With over a decade of experience in conservation and environmental policy, Rosa most recently served as the Director of the Office of Environmental Justice for New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation where she led the agency’s Environmental Justice and Indian Nations Affairs programs. 

About Rosa Méndez-Perez
Rosa Méndez-Perez has over a decade of conservation and environmental policy experience that she brings to the role. She is a passionate advocate for environmental and climate issues with a focus on equity and community empowerment aimed at creating a healthier place to live.

When asked about her vision for the new role she explained,

I’m excited for the opportunity to join King Conservation District as we continue to empower King County residents to be stewards of our natural resources. The district has built a strong reputation as a trusted and innovative partner and as the incoming executive director, I look forward to working with the residents of King County to further our great community-based conservation work.

Most recently, Rosa served as the Director of the Office of Environmental Justice for the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. There she made her mark leading the Environmental Justice and Indian Affairs program and chairing the Climate Justice Working Group.  

She earned an undergraduate degree from Cornell University in Natural Resources and a Juris Doctorate from Vermont Law School focusing on environmental law.

About King Conservation District
KCD is a natural resources assistance agency that promotes the sustainable use of natural resources by improving responsible stewardship in the King County community.

​Founded in 1949, the agency has aimed to educate landowners, schools, scientists, consultants, and agencies on how best to recognize and avoid environmental issues as well as solve existing problems in the community and surrounding area. KCD assists with water quality, wildlife habitat, farm conservation, soil and slope stability, native plants, stream restoration, and many other topics related to the area’s natural resources.

Their service area includes 34 cities within King County as well as the entirety of unincorporated King County. The agency is authorized by Washington State and guided by the state’s Conservation Commission. They also work closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s local office to receive technical assistance and training.

About Valtas Group
Valtas Group works as Interim Executive Directors, supporting organizations in times of transition and helps organizations navigate uncertainty during leadership change. We lead the search process in partnership with the board and staff leadership, as consultants for recruiting and search to support organizations identify the ideal Executive Director or leader.
​
Furthermore, Valtas Group partners with board members and senior nonprofit leaders on a variety of strategic consulting assignments. We offer comprehensive resources to guide your transition needs.  Contact us to learn about our executive interim and placement services.