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NAPLES — Andrew McElwaine, who led an effort to expand panther habitat in South Florida by millions of acres, is leaving his post as CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida to become the president of American Farmland Trust.
Under McElwaine, the Conservancy challenged government and private landowners over wildlife habitat, including a high-profile dispute over panther territory that would limit future development in South Florida. Most recently, the organization said it planned to sue the federal government over what it says is the mismanagement of endangered species.
Over the last five years, McElwaine and the Conservancy raised $38.8 million in a fundraising campaign called “Saving Southwest Florida.” The organization has used the proceeds to renovate its nature center in Naples and promote education and research.
“Andrew is an articulate defender of conservation policy both locally and nationally,” says Lynn Slabaugh, chairwoman of the Conservancy, in a statement. “During Andrew's tenure at the Conservancy, he built the reputation of the Conservancy and assets from $10.5 million to $42 million.”
The Conservancy says it will begin a search for McElwaine's replacement. Conservancy Board Vice Chairman Ken Krier will act as interim CEO and Vice President of Development and Marketing Rob Moher will serve as chief operating officer during the transition.
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