Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS)’s Executive Director Jennifer Rogers has called her role “a humbling and overwhelming honor.”
Last month, Rogers was announced as the new executive director of FoHVOS, which works to preserve and protect Hopewell Valley land. She was unanimously elected for the position by the Board of Trustees.
“Since my initial introduction to the organization in spring of 2009, I have known FoHVOS to be a successful, mission-driven organization whose influence and impact reach beyond our Valley — this is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our dedicated board members and talented staff,” she said in a message published by FoHVOS.
Rogers succeeds longtime former Executive Director Lisa Wolff, who retired in 2023 after close to seven years of leading the nonprofit.
“I would like to thank my predecessor, Lisa Wolff, for her leadership and vision that helped to create the version of FoHVOS I stepped into [on Feb. 20],” she added. “One of her most triumphant accomplishments (in my opinion) was in making FoHVOS an Accredited Land Trust through the Land Trust Alliance; this was no small feat.”
As executive director Rogers said her goal is to preserve and build upon the 37-year-old legacy of FoHVOS and look forward to the future with organizational growth and development in mind.
“Specifically, I am excited to expand our Community Conservation program and enhance the connection between the stewardship efforts on our preserves and our partners’ preserves, with efforts performed on residential and corporate properties, bolstering the impact of our mutual conservation efforts,” she explained.
Rogers plans to host several hikes on FoHVOS preserves in April for people to get to know her.
“… but also, for me to listen to the conservation interests and concerns of our Valley residents and partners,” she said.