In March, the Georgia Native Plant Society Board announced its search for an Executive Director. This decision was the culmination of our work since 2019 when we restructured the Society to include a State Board of Directors that would focus on strategic governing and direct significant resources toward cultivating a balance of equally strong chapters across the state. The growth of more chapters would focus GNPS resources at the local level, encourage new leaders, and increase membership, while allowing the State Board to focus on key state-level partnerships and strategies that would lead to more meaningful change and progress of our mission.
After an extensive search process led by members of the Board, we are pleased to announce that Nikki Belmonte has been selected as Executive Director, beginning June 1, 2023.
Nikki brings more than a decade of nonprofit leadership experience to the Society. She was previously ED for Atlanta Audubon (now Georgia Audubon), Keep Roswell Beautiful, and, most recently, the American Birding Association. In these roles, she helped to lead these organizations in member growth, conservation initiatives, educational programming, and fundraising.
Nikki is a native of Massachusetts, where her love of nature started on hikes along the Charles River and in state parks. She holds a B.S. in wildlife conservation from University of Massachusetts Amherst and a M.S. in environmental education from Antioch University New England.
As Executive Director of GNPS, Nikki will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for GNPS’s programs and execution of its mission. She will work closely with the State Board and Chapter leadership to continue the implementation of the Society’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan.
We thank you all for your continued support as we welcome Nikki into her new role. May we continue to grow a better landscape together! You can reach Nikki at executivedirector@gnps.org.
