ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Chesapeake Conservancy, a watershed-wide land preservation group based in Annapolis, has named a former top executive as its new leader. Susan Shingledecker is set to take the reins Sept. 8.
Shingledecker most recently served as executive director of Earth Science Information Partners, which promotes the use of data to tackle environmental issues. In that role, she collaborated with federal and state agencies, universities and private-sector technology firms to advance data-driven solutions.
“My five years at ESIP have given me an incredible understanding of the opportunities for data to inform our conservation work, increase our efficiency and grow our impact,” Shingledecker said in a statement. “I am excited to combine this experience with my past work in conservation and outdoor recreation.”
From 2017-2020, she served as the Chesapeake Conservancy’s vice president and director of programs. Among other initiatives, she helped defeat a Dominion Energy plan to build a compressor station directly across the Potomac River from Mount Vernon, the home of founding father George Washington.
“Susan’s return is a homecoming we are thrilled to celebrate,” said conservancy board chair Stephanie Meeks. “She is uniquely positioned to build on our strong foundation and guide the Chesapeake Conservancy into its next chapter.”
Shingledecker previously served as vice president of BoatUS., where she advocated for public access and outdoor recreation. She also led renewable energy programs for the Maryland Energy Administration and served as a policy analyst with the National Governors Association.
She holds a master’s degree in environmental management from Duke University and a bachelor’s in international studies from American University. She lives in Severna Park, MD.
Joel Dunn had been the CEO from 2010 until stepping down at the beginning of this year. He left to work for Campaign for Nature, a group that seeks to protect 30% of the world’s lands and oceans. EJ Amyot will continue to serve as interim president and CEO, as well as chief operating officer, until Shingledecker comes on board.