Transition at the Snow Leopard Trust

Dear Snow Leopard Trust supporters

Charles Kettering said, “Every time you tear a leaf off a calendar, you present a new place for new ideas and progress.” Here we are at the start of 2016, and I am tearing off a leaf. With excitement, hope, and some sadness I am writing to let you know that I am transitioning out of the position of Executive Director at the Snow Leopard Trust. 

Like all positive transitions, this change is both bitter and sweet. I have been at the Trust for almost 16 years. I had the privilege of working with the founder, Helen Freeman, and now have become the organization’s longest serving Executive Director. One of the things I’m most proud of at the Snow Leopard Trust is that our strength exists as an organization and is far more robust than any one person. Over the years we’ve transitioned many key positions and we’ve always come through stronger. I’m 100% certain that we will have the same experience transitioning the executive director position.

Several years ago we put in place a Succession Plan that laid plans for both my planned or unplanned departure (I’m very glad we are using the planned option!). The Board of directors is now implementing that plan and we will be undertaking an international search for a new executive director.

I will remain in my position until February 5th at which point Dr. Charu Mishra, our long-serving director of science and conservation will take on the acting executive director position. I’ve worked with Charu since 2001 and I have to say one of my greatest regrets will be no longer working with and learning from Charu on a day to day basis. He is an amazing conservationist, manager, and friend and he is more than up to serving as the acting director.

I am very happy to report that I will remain involved in the Snow Leopard Trust in my new position as a member of the Board of Directors. As a director I plan to stay involved in helping the new executive director on an as needed basis and helping with fundraising and organizational strategy.

I feel like I’m leaving my role as executive director while the Snow Leopard Trust is at its strongest. We are playing an active role in the 12 country Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program initiated by the President of Kyrgyzstan. Our 5 country programs and 50 plus field staff continue to expand their conservation, education, and research programs, and the Trust’s support of the Snow Leopard Network continues to pay dividends by helping researchers and conservationists around the world stay connected via the Network website and bibliography.

I am leaving on this high note to take the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer with the Seattle Aquarium, another incredible member of the Seattle wildlife and conservation community. For the past year or so I’ve wondered about the best timing for me to leave the Snow Leopard Trust. I’m too young to retire but staying another 10 plus years at the Trust did not sound like a good thing for the organization. Fortunately this great opportunity came up at the Aquarium at a time that is right for both the Snow Leopard Trust and me.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for an amazing 16 years. Thank you for your support, guidance, and belief in the Snow Leopard Trust. Thank you for the projects and people you have invested in, and the concepts you have made a reality. I look forward to continuing to work with you on protecting these amazing cats in my new role as a member of the Board and will be counting on your full support in helping the new executive director feel as welcomed as I was.

Sincerely

Brad Rutherford, Executive Director