NEWS RELEASE
TLC TO WELCOME NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THIS FALL
Long time staff member to be appointed following current Executive Director’s retirement
FOR RELEASE: July 15, 2023
Victoria, BC – The Land Conservancy of British Columbia (TLC) has announced an approaching change in the charity’s personnel: Cathy Armstrong, TLC’s Executive Director, has announced her intention to retire following the organization’s Annual General Meeting in September to spend more time with her children and granddaughter. TLC’s Board of Directors have selected Armstrong’s successor from its current staff. Dianna Stenberg, TLC’s Deputy Executive Director since 2018, will be stepping into the role of Executive Director following Armstrong’s retirement.
Armstrong’s impact on the land trust has been significant since being named Executive Director in 2015: she led the organization through the final stages of its restructuring process; successfully managed the completion of three acquisition campaigns; oversaw the registration of six conservation covenants protecting 247 acres; and negotiated the ground-breaking agreement to transfer SISȻENEM (Halibut Island) to the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council. Beyond her many newsworthy conservation accomplishments, Armstrong has supported TLC staff, volunteers, and partners alike in building sustainability into decision making and project development to strengthen the conservation community for the benefit of all British Columbians.
Set to follow Armstrong as Executive Director is long-time TLC staff member Dianna Stenberg. Stenberg has held many roles since starting with the organization in 2008 as a member of staff at the Sooke Potholes: she is the team member responsible for creating and implementing TLC’s communications strategies; she has written several successful grant applications including federal grants to enable the acquisition of two major conservation areas; she facilitates TLC’s Passport to Nature and Deertrails Naturalist Programs; she has led the organization in major internal systems changes; and she has supported staff and volunteers in program delivery and project management through her team-oriented leadership. Stenberg’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of Victoria and a Master of Arts degree in Professional Communication from Royal Roads University in which she focused on communicating climate change resilience-building and mitigation strategies.
To ensure operational consistency and continuity, Armstrong has been involved in the Board’s selection committee process and will continue to work with staff and Board over the next three months to prepare for the transition. Further, TLC’s Board continues to offer organizational oversight as a team of volunteers with a wide range of backgrounds including policy, finance, law, and biology. With overlapping terms, they provide stability, organizational knowledge, and financial and operational governance consistent with TLC’s constitution, bylaws, and policies.
“The Board and I are incredibly grateful for the care and skill that Cathy has brought to the organization these last eight years. Under her guidance we have experienced high staff retention resulting in a strong, skilled, and supportive team who are committed to strengthening and nurturing TLC’s conservation projects and programming,” said Jeff Sheldrake, TLC Board Chair. “The Board and I look forward to working with Dianna in this new role to guide the organization through our next conservation successes. Having dedicated 15 years to the organization, I know she has the knowledge, passion, and commitment to lead our team in stewarding the 15,000 acres in TLC’s portfolio.”
“It has been my honor to work with Board, staff, and supporters to bring TLC into a new stage of its remarkable success in protecting and stewarding conservation lands over the past 26 years,” said Cathy Armstrong, TLC Executive Director.
“Cathy has been an inspiring leader and mentor since she joined TLC in 2014. I have valued working closely with her on countless projects and events, and appreciate her support in this transition,” said Dianna Stenberg, TLC Deputy Executive Director. “I am honoured to be named as TLC’s next Executive Director. I look forward to working with our incredible team to continue the organization’s critical work in conservation.”
About
The Land Conservancy of British Columbia (TLC) is a non-profit, charitable land trust working throughout British Columbia. TLC’s primary mandate is to benefit the community by protecting habitat for natural communities of plants and animals. Founded in 1997, TLC is membership-based and governed by an elected, volunteer Board of Directors. TLC relies on a strong membership and volunteer base to help maintain its operations. Learn more about TLC by visiting www.conservancy.bc.ca.
Media contacts:
Jeff Sheldrake
TLC Board Chair
Email membership@conservancy.bc.ca
Cathy Armstrong
TLC Executive Director
TLC Office (250) 479-8053
Email carmstrong@conservancy.bc.ca
