Commentary: Helena, Mont. – Montana Wilderness Association today announces that Ben Gabriel will be its next executive director. Gabriel is currently the executive director of Friends of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks (FOMDP) in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
“We are incredibly excited to have Ben on board at MWA,” says Mark Hanson, president of MWA’s state council. “The leadership skills he demonstrated in his three-year tenure at FOMDP and the inspiring vision he articulated for MWA, which entails building on the tremendous success we’ve had over recent years, made him stand out among the many applicants we considered.”
MWA conducted a national search for the executive director before deciding on Gabriel, who came recommended by many conservationists across the country for, among other things, leading the defense of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in the face of Secretary Ryan Zinke’s national monument review this summer.
Before becoming executive director of FOMDP, Gabriel ran several outdoor recreation programs at New Mexico State University, where he gained an appreciation for the connection between public lands and outdoor recreation.
“His experience with outdoor recreation, leading campaigns in defense of public lands in southern New Mexico, and engaging a diverse range of communities really impressed us,” says Debo Powers, member of MWA’s state council who participated in the executive director search. “That kind of experience, especially of working with people from many different backgrounds, is something we will welcome having at MWA.”
Gabriel will step down as executive director of FOMDP on November 22 and begin work at MWA on December 1.
"FOMDP has never been stronger or more dedicated to the empowerment of our Doña Anna Community, thanks in large part to Ben's commitment and leadership," says Fernando Clemente, president of FOMDP. "We are going to miss Ben but take great pride in knowing he will continue to be a leader in conservation and that his work will continue. With our partnerships and commitments strong, FOMDP looks forward to continuing its work with community to defend our country's National Conservation lands, including those of southern New Mexico.”
Gabriel succeeds Brian Sybert as MWA’s executive director. Sybert left MWA in May to take over as executive director of the Colorado-based Conservation Lands Foundation.
“Ben has shown he has the ability to positively shape an organization in almost all aspects – in building staff, seizing funding opportunities, crafting smart policies, and, most importantly, running programs that achieve success through partnership and collaboration, ” Hansen adds. “We’re lucky to have him.”