MINNEAPOLIS –– Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness has named Cathy Jacobson as interim executive director of the 30-year-old conservation group, Carolyn Sampson, board chair, announced today.

Ms. Jacobson replaces John Roth who has left the organization.

She is a principal with Cincinnatus, a Minneapolis-based consulting firm that provides strategy and leadership development services. Ms. Jacobson brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit, business and governmental organizations. She specializes in executive transition services and has completed nine such assignments with nonprofits since joining Cincinnatus in 1997.

Sampson said the organization will immediately begin a search for a permanent executive director. “This change in leadership adds a challenge to what is already a challenging time for environmental organizations, and Cathy will help us meet it,” said Sampson. “The Friends of the Boundary Waters has grown over the years due to the loyalty of its members and supporters, but also because of the tireless service of board members, staff and volunteers. That has not changed. Our commitment is stronger than ever and members of our board will step forward to work with the interim director and our talented staff to ensure that the work and programs of the organization continue without interruption.”

Sampson said that during his brief tenure with the organization, Mr. Roth had begun some innovative bridge-building to communities that border the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a place National Geographic magazine named as one of the planet’s 50 “must visit” places. “We value the opportunities John has helped create,” Sampson said, “and we will work to build on those young relationships.”

The Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, headquartered in Minneapolis, is dedicated to protecting, preserving and restoring the wilderness character of the BWCAW and the surrounding Quetico-Superior Ecosystem.

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