FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 16, 2014 (OTTAWA, ON) — Nature Canada announced today that Eleanor Fast will be assuming the role of Executive Director starting on October 6, 2014.

Fast comes to Nature Canada with a passion for nature and a background in ecology, biodiversity and the not-for-profit sector. She has previously held senior management positions with the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as with the Council of Canadian Academies and holds a Master’s degree in Natural Resource Sciences (Biodiversity).

“It’s not often that you find a person who is this strong in the hard sciences, government, not-for-profit management, fundraising and communications all at the same time,” said Richard Yank, Chairman of Nature Canada’s Board of Directors. “We’re absolutely thrilled that Eleanor has agreed to join us and we’re excited to have a dynamic new leader going into our 75th anniversary year.”

Fast’s passion for nature began as a child growing up in rural England. Her interests solidified while she was conducting field research in the Usambara Mountains of Tanzania and later blossomed as a graduate student in biodiversity at McGill University.

“I’m honoured to be a part of this storied organization,” said Fast. “Nature Canada does incredible work connecting Canadians to Nature and has helped protect over 63 million acres of parks and wildlife areas in Canada over the course of its history. I hope to build on that amazing record.”

Fast and the Board of Directors also extended their thanks to Stephen Hazell for serving as Interim Executive Director these past months. Stephen will be staying on with Nature Canada as Director of Conservation and General Counsel.

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Paul Jorgenson
Senior Communications Manager
613-562-3447 ext 248
[email protected]

Monica Tanaka
Communications Coordinator
613-562-3447 ext 241
[email protected]

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Nature Canada is the oldest national nature conservation charity in Canada. Over the past 75 years, we’ve helped protect over 63 million acres of parks and wildlife areas in Canada and the countless species that depend on this habitat. Today, we represent a network of over 45,000 members & supporters and more than 350 nature organizations in every province across Canada.[/one_third]

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Download full-sized photo of Eleanor Fast

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