News
From
Appalachian Stewardship Foundation
For Immediate Release: DATE
Contact: Larry Harris, ASF Board Chairman, PHONE, larry@appalachianstewards.org
Appalachian Stewardship Foundation Selects Shanda Minney
as First Executive Director
The Board of Directors of the Appalachian Stewardship Foundation (ASF) is pleased to announce the selection of Shanda Minney as ASF’s first Executive Director. Ms. Minney will join ASF on June 1, 2012, just as ASF will be completing its first grant cycle.
Shanda Minney comes to ASF with over 20 year of experience in the environmental non-profit arena. Before joining ASF, she served as Executive Director of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition for over four years.
“Shanda brings the full breadth of knowledge and experience needed for ASF, from managing grants programs and fund-raising, to proactively reaching out to stakeholders and potential partners to help an organization meet its goals,” said Larry Harris, Chairman of the ASF Board. Shanda has experience in working for a wide range of organizations in areas including environmental campaigning, advocacy, international development, philanthropy, policy analysis, and has taught international environmental issues at the Masters level.
“Because of her years of experience in the region, Shanda has a deep understanding of the coal culture, the economics, and the environmental challenges facing West Virginia and other parts of Appalachia,” said Chief Executive Officer, Bill DePaulo.
In addition to time spent working for the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington DC and the non-profit Center for Urban Watershed Renewal based in Massachusetts, Shanda has spent time living and working overseas, where former employers include Friends of the Earth UK, Care International, Marie Stopes International and the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. Shanda has an Undergraduate Degree in International Relations and International Politics from The George Washington University, and a Masters degree in Development Studies from the University of London. Shanda resides in Elkins, West Virginia with her husband and two sons.
“Shanda’s depth and years of experience in running non-profit organizations will build a strong foundation for ASF, to enable it to provide grants and work toward ASF’s vision far into the future,” said Kathy Harman-Stokes, ASF President.
The Board of Directors expresses its appreciation to all of the applicants for this position. The applicants enriched discussion around ASF’s goals and strategies going forward.
ASF was created in 2010 as a result of a settlement with Longview Power that set up a mitigation fund to correct the damage to the environment caused by the mining and burning of coal. ASF’s vision is for environmental values to lead our energy future: clean streams, clear skies and a stable climate, with the least amount of energy necessary to provide the goods and services we need. ASF seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to protect freshwater streams and tributaries against the effects of pollution from energy development and use. www.appalachianstewards.org.