There’s a new leader coming to the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy. The organization that oversees nature preserves throughout southwest Michigan tells us more:
The Board of Directors of the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC) announced today that Michael Larson will serve as the next Executive Director. Larson will build on a strong foundation of over 30 years of SWMLC history as he assumes the role in April 2023.
SWMLC Board Chair Bruce Grubb said, “We’re excited to have Mike onboard, and we look forward to him applying his 30+ years of experience in nonprofit administration and fundraising to helping SWMLC to conserve and steward even more land, help ensure water quality, biodiversity, and resiliency in our region, and to help connect even more people with nature.”
Larson has earned a reputation as a community-focused strategist, convener, and collaborative leader. He brings more than two decades of executive management experience to SWMLC, having served a catalytic role in promoting the growth and success of mission-driven organizations. Most recently, Larson held the role of President & Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW), where he led the organization since 2017. During his tenure, Larson provided leadership and capacity-building for all Michigan United Ways. Prior to leading MAUW, Larson served as the leader of various Michigan United Ways. Notably, he led the merger of the United Ways of Greater Battle Creek and Kalamazoo into a single organization, providing the vision and leadership for the newly formed organization.
As an avid outdoorsman and resident of Southwest Michigan for over two decades, Larson is deeply committed to the region and to the mission of the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy. Larson said, “SWMLC’s mission to protect and care for nature so that it will be here for others in the future is so needed. I’m excited to be part of this organization and working with this great team!”
Larson will assume leadership of the organization as it starts its next phase of strategic planning.
