Meg Rutledge
Vancouver,USA
Summary
Dynamic executive with a proven track record in leading and collaborating with teams to safeguard vital ecosystems and species. Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning and operational delivery. Drives innovative conservation solutions through sound science and strong relationships. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability to drive organizational priorities.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Columbia Land Trust
Vancouver, WA
12.2022 - Current
- Lead one of the most respected, successful regional land trusts in the United States.
- Lead team of 48 experts to protect at-risk eco-regions and wildlife using innovative tools and research to improve conservation management.
- Manage an annual operating budget of $8 million, investments over $23million USD, and assets at $144 million USD (as at 2023 audited results).
- Steered organization through founder transition to maintain team culture, performance, and goals.
- Deepened tribal relationships including a joint MOU, removal of a dam, co-manage lands, and improved access to tribal resources.
- Guided Board of Directors through inaugural open-recruitment process, expanding reach and expertise.
- Directed first voluntary carbon market certification process for organization.
- Oversee management of lands to reduce risk from pests, fire, and climate change through delivery of annual conservation goals.
- Prioritized strategic improvements for our flagship Backyard Habitat Partnership, increasing reach from 9,000 to more than 13,000 households.
Director Biodiversity Threats Unit
Department of Conservation
Nelson, New Zealand
04.2021 - 08.2022
- Directed a nationally distributed team advancing strategic leadership in science and technical investments for New Zealand's biodiversity threats and pressures.
- Formulated strategic plan for the Department’s climate adaptation efforts.
- Translated strategic plans into operational programs for national pest management through research, standard operating procedures, best practices, and training for the Department.
- Facilitated collaboration between departments to increase strategic and tangible results for ungulate management.
- Partnered with internal leaders, external agencies, and Treaty partners to ensure the best possible science, knowledge, and values informed strategy.
- Lead Department’s biosecurity systems and incursion responses, and Island biosecurity programs.
- Recruited, trained, supervised, evaluated and mentored staff members.
Biodiversity Threats Manager
Department of Conservation
05.2019 - 04.2021
- Supported team of technical specialists to advise on strategies, research, and analyse outcomes of pest management operations.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to achieve DOC's objectives.
- Accountable for delivery of twenty research projects across the Department within budget and scope, and with support and partnership from iwi.
- Served as Chair of the Animal Ethics Committee for DOC to oversee all research, testing, and teaching comply with the New Zealand Animal Welfare Act.
- Engage with statutory agencies, university partners, and researchers to ensure compliance and continual refinement of research methods to minimize impact on wild animals.
- Officiate all Animal Ethics Committee training, correspondence, and reporting requirements.
ZAA Board Member
Zoo and Aquarium Association, ZAA
Nelson, New Zealand
07.2016 - 02.2019
- Represent New Zealand members to the international ZAA community.
- Liaison with external government partners, manage external partner relationships, and advocate for New Zealand members.
- Address member needs.
Director
Natureland Wildlife Trust
Nelson, New Zealand
01.2013 - 02.2019
- Turned around two decades of financial deficits into five years of consistent positive budget growth.
- Oversaw developmental programs enhancing workforce competency and team cohesion.
- Developed policies and procedures to ensure compliance with international standards.
- Achieved formal accreditation by the Zoo and Aquarium Association for positive animal welfare.
- Established partnership with Project Janszoon to conserve yellow-fronted kākāriki and kākā.
- Launched Trust’s Ten-Year Master Plan and Strategic Plan and achieved significant milestones.
- Voted onto Nelson City Council Biodiversity Forum for conservation strategy.
Education
Doctorate in Environmental Management -
UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
Auckland, NZ09-2018
Master of Environmental Science - Political Ecology of Conservation
YALE UNIVERSITY
New Haven, CT05-2009
Bachelor of Liberal Arts & Sciences - Concentration in Environmental Studies
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
Jupiter, FL06-2006
Skills
- Conservation management
- Innovative problem solving
- Approachable leader and collaborator
- Systems thinker
- Financial leadership and Business Intelligence
- Effective communication
- Strategic planning and execution
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Partnership development
- Team leadership, training, and development
Affiliations
- New Zealand of the Year Local Hero Winner (2016). Award by Kiwibank in recognition of leadership and change in the community. Award received for the transformation of Natureland Wildlife Trust from council liability to community asset.
- Eelco Boswiijk Civic Awards (2016). Award given by Nelson City Council for being a change maker in the community.
- Publication 2014. “Political-Ecological Dimensions of Silvery Gibbon Conservation Efforts: An Endangered Ape in (and on) the Verge” Nicholas Malone, Megan Selby and Stefano Longo. International Journal of Sociology.
- Publication Malone NM, Wade A, Wedana Adi Putra M, Reisland M, Selby M. (2012) Calibrating a conservation strategy for silvery gibbons (Hylobates moloch). American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 147(S54):202.
Activities
- Sports: Mountain running and multi-day backcountry fast-packing.
- Arts: If I was not so single minded about conservation, I would be an artist. Probably a bad one.
Timeline
Executive Director
Columbia Land Trust
12.2022 - Current
Director Biodiversity Threats Unit
Department of Conservation
04.2021 - 08.2022
Biodiversity Threats Manager
Department of Conservation
05.2019 - 04.2021
ZAA Board Member
Zoo and Aquarium Association, ZAA
07.2016 - 02.2019
Director
Natureland Wildlife Trust
01.2013 - 02.2019
Doctorate in Environmental Management -
UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
Master of Environmental Science - Political Ecology of Conservation
YALE UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Liberal Arts & Sciences - Concentration in Environmental Studies
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
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