From Intern to President, SNW Appoints Dylan Kruse to Helm
SNW's new president Dylan Kruse
The Sustainable Northwest board of directors appointed Dylan Kruse to its top position, president, effective November 1, 2024. Kruse previously served as vice president for Sustainable Northwest, and has been with the organization for 15 years.
Kruse began his journey as an intern fresh out of Lewis & Clark College. “I saw a flyer on campus about an internship available at this conservation nonprofit, and I was interested. Little did I know I would find my purpose and passion in life when I walked through those doors,” Kruse said.
He was then hired as a program associate, later program manager, next government relations director, and ultimately vice president, leading government relations and strategy for the organization.
A native of Conifer, Colo., Kruse brings deep expertise in natural resource issues and longstanding partnerships with Tribal Nations, federal and state agencies, elected officials, partner nonprofits, and more. He launched and led the Western Juniper Alliance to become the largest seller of juniper in the world, helping restore thousands of acres of rangeland in the northwest; designed, secured funding, and recruited staff to launch Sustainable Northwest’s (SNW’s) regenerative ranching program; was instrumental to SNW’s effort to secure more than $250 million in conservation funding for the region over the last five years; and successfully advocated for billions of dollars in federal funding for forest restoration, wildfire resilience, and more.
“I am thrilled to continue working with our stellar staff and funders, as well as Tribal, agency, and corporate partners to grow our work in the Northwest developing natural resource solutions that benefit nature, people, and local economies,” said Kruse. “Our organization is uniquely poised to help solve the interrelated threats to climate health, forest health, community health and economic health in the Northwest.”
And we are thrilled to have him. SNW undertook a comprehensive process to find the next leader for the organization, receiving more than 100 applications for the position. After reviewing resumes and screening applicants via a search consultant, transition committee, staff, and board, there was strong consensus that Kruse was the best person to lead the organization.
“I am incredibly excited to work with Dylan to lead our talented team into the future,” said Lee Rahr, vice president of programs at Sustainable Northwest and member of the transition committee.
“In our exhaustive search, it was clear that Dylan had the most experience and passion for our unique brand of conservation work, and has proven himself ready for this next step,” said John Rose, chair of the board of directors for Sustainable Northwest.
Dylan Kruse, second from left, at board meeting in Leavenworth, Washington. June 2023
“The recommendation to hire Dylan was unanimous with enthusiastic endorsements from staff, board, and outside stakeholders. Dylan’s understanding of natural resources, and his passion and enthusiasm for the organization are unmatched,” said Nat Parker, chair of the transition committee and member of the SNW board of directors.
“Dylan’s expertise and proven track record bringing together multiple interest groups to solve complex challenges facing our rural communities makes him uniquely qualified to be our next president,” said Kimberlee Chambers, a member of the SNW board of directors and the transition committee.
“I am delighted that Dylan will continue leading Sustainable Northwest, now as president, and look forward to a smooth and seamless transition as we craft solutions to critical issues in the Pacific Northwest,” said outgoing president Greg Block, who has led the organization since 2016 through COVID and significant expansion.
