October 1, 2020
Lindsay Thompson (left) executive director 2016-2020 passes gavel to Jen Nelson. The Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts welcomes Jen Nelson as the new Executive Director of MASCD. Mrs. Nelson has a wealth of knowledge and experience in conservation and has served for the past two years as the Executive Director for the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts.
“MASCD looks forward to Jennifer Nelson becoming the Executive Director. Her knowledge of conservation and governmental affairs will be a great asset to the conservation districts of Maryland.” says Bruce Yerkes, MASCD President.
Through her own contracting business, Resource Smart LLC., she has built relationships with executive directors from state associations around the country, state conservation agencies and federal partners, local farmers and environmental organizations. Prior to starting her business in 2013, she worked for NRCS, DNREC’s Nonpoint Source Program, the Sussex Conservation District, the Chesapeake Bay Program, and on a small farm in Prince George’s County.
“A chief goal of mine has been to develop projects and partnerships that support farmers in increasing both their profitability and their environmental stewardship.” said Nelson. “Conservation districts are able to work with farmers and landowners like no other organizations can.”
Nelson is recognized by farmers and conservation partners as a credible spokesperson at public meetings, conferences as well as through traditional and social media. She’ll continue to serve Delaware in addition to MASCD, and looks forward to working with both states. She resides in Delaware with her husband Dan and two sons.
Marguerite Guare, MASCD’s veteran administrative assistant, will continue to bring her bookkeeping and administrative expertise to the organization. Also joining Ms. Nelson is Missy Cannon Helgason. She will serve as an admin to help with tasks necessary successfully serve both Delaware and Maryland’s Associations of Conservation Districts. Ms. Cannon Helgason has a background in non-profit administration and business, and is a native of the Eastern Shore of Maryland where she currently resides with her husband Don.
