News from the Executive Director

April 20 2023

To the HAT Community,

It is with many mixed emotions that I announce that I'll be stepping down as Executive Director of HAT in June. It has been the privilege of my lifetime to lead this extraordinary organization for the past five years. I came to HAT because I believe in the importance of HAT's mission, but I soon fell in love with the organization because of the unique way that HAT approaches its work: the compassion, the authenticity of relationships and the depth of caring that stand behind all that we do. It has therefore been a joyful challenge to pursue conservation outcomes here, in some of the most rare and threatened ecosystems in Canada, in a geography where private land patterns, land values, and rates of development are daunting. With HAT's talented staff, dedicated Board, loyal and enthusiastic volunteers, members and donors, we are well-positioned to take on these challenges and make a difference. I'm so proud that that is exactly what HAT has done and continues to do through our award-winning stewardship outreach programs, our growing and robust land restoration program, through education and community engagement and through progressive land protection initiatives.

I am certain that the excellent work of this organization will continue to grow and improve. The partnerships and community relationships that underpin HAT are incredibly strong - they have been built on reciprocity and trust over time. Our Board and staff's deep commitment to measurable conservation outcomes, to Reconciliation, to community, and to financial responsibility will carry HAT forward for the next 25 years and beyond.

To the HAT community, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart for your overwhelming support during my time as Executive Director. I will always support HAT in whatever way I can. With trust in this amazing organization and the network of people that move it forward, it is time to pass the torch to the next leader.

With gratitude,

Katie Blake