Dr. Elizabeth Long Appointed as Executive Director of TNFW

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Elizabeth C. Long as the new Executive Director of TNFW. She succeeds Doug Coleman, founding Executive Director of TNFW, who leaves an extraordinary legacy of authentic conservation and promoting science education at Wintergreen. Elizabeth will begin her role on January 6, 2026.

Elizabeth Long brings a wealth of experience to the role, with a distinguished 15-year career in conservation, education, program development, and research. A native of Roanoke, Virginia, she holds degrees in Biology from the University of Richmond and The College of William & Mary, and a Ph.D. in Ecology from UC Davis in California. Her career includes leadership experience with non-profit organizations, combining a solid foundation of conservation management in both education and research. Recently serving as senior program coordinator for the Geological Society of America, an international scientific organization of 17,000 members, she led the planning, promotion and fund-raising for innovative national professional development programs, through building strategic partnerships with universities, government agencies, and community organizations. Prior to her work at GSA, she served as Director of Conservation Science at the 8,000-acre Mohonk Preserve in New Paltz, NY, where she directed research partnerships and expanded educational programs for local schools.

When notified of her appointment, Elizabeth Long responded, “The Blue Ridge Mountains will always be home to me. Being a part of TNFW’s conservation and study of this special region while involving Wintergreen-area residents in that process is a dream come true. The mission of The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen resonates strongly with me and I am delighted to be joining the team. Building on the great achievements already in place here, and the opportunity to collaborate with such talented staff and a committed community is indeed a privilege.” 

I am thrilled to welcome Elizabeth to The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen. Her love of the outdoors and commitment to conservation, coupled with a proven track record in program development, fund raising and community engagement, will enable her to lead TNFW to the next level as we continue to advance our mission.

Elizabeth will be joining us at the Holiday Open House at Trillium House from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 13. Please stop by and welcome her to TNFW!

Brent Douglass, President

TNFW Board of Directors