Charlene Simonson Email & Phone Number

Responsible for the management of the Great Plains Division Conservation Portfolio (DCP). 144 conservation projects and two programs focused on grassland and freshwater led by a 10-state division.This work includes leading the development, implementation, and communication of the portfolio, strategy, and budget review processes associated with the DCP, and ensuring the outcomes of those processes are reflected in organizational goals.Local to Global, Together... We Find a Way!

United States

Role includes leadership in region's shift to a strengthened 'Enterprise' system and people management in highly matrixed organization. Leader in ‘Empowering Division’ initiative and Great Plains Division Senior Management Team, which aims to promote conservation strategies, develop fundraising efforts, guide investment choices, and use best practices for conservation across 10 states. Shaping strategies to 'keep grass in grass' and strengthening 'resilient waters' in the Great Plains, including serving as Lead for Resilient Freshwater and Natural Climate Solutions teams.Serve as regional and division representative on various organizational priorities, including Global Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, Indigenous Right Relations Advisory Group, Local Project Review Committee, and North America Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Working Group.Serve on Equity2030 'Broadening Global Perspectives' workgroup, which aims to evolve TNC's internal equity framework to match its global footprint.

Remote

Self-employed business designed to manage and lead county, state, and non-profit conservation projects.

River Falls, Wi

Hired to turn around, rebuild, and stabilize organization with debt issues, minimal conservation resources, and recently failed merger. Managed administrative, fundraising, land acquisition, restoration, HR, and education components. Worked to conserve and provide public access to high-quality trout streams. Served in advocacy roles for state of Wisconsin and federal conservation initiatives.1. Earned $1M in fundraising, directing philanthropy capital campaign, and sourcing private, federal, and state dollars. Built fundraising plan from scratch, managed donor pipeline, and wrote grants.2. Led expansion of conservation programs from 1 to 4 in 3 years, tapping into U.S. Forest Funding. Project managed and implemented conservation of two easements, purchased community forest, and obtained formal access to preserve.3. Managed complex HR policy and legal violations, including sexual harassment and substantial conservation violations.4. Achieved land trust accreditation, reviewing and updating non-profit governance, conservation transactions, sustainablefinancial protocols, and donor management.

Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, United States

Known for its beauty, with over 360 lakesHired to oversee lake access areas, leading team management for 25-30 seasonal watercraft inspectors and $250K budget. Projects focused on preventing spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Motivated and encouraged community to adopt conservation behaviors.

Minnesota

Project managed $3M Enbridge Ecofootprint Grant program, including guiding projects, preparing reports, monitoring progress, and processing payment requests and extensions.Led event planning and management process for National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Council Conference, including planning, organizing, and marketing for event with 400 attendees.

Fairmont, Mn

Oversaw grant staff, financial aspects and Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG), including grant reporting and budget management for Field Stewards. This is private-public partnership and marketplace to incentivize the agricultural sector to conserve Minnesota water.

Buffalo, Mn

Non-profit focused on conservation and water management goals in water quality and quantity conservation.1. Managed water quality sampling and project coordination for assessment grants of $800K, focusing on state and locally-funded projects. Oversaw budgeting, work plans, contractor relationships, and reporting. Ensured project success and community engagement, led technical monitoring, data analysis, public communications, and volunteer coordination.2. Analyzed and presented water quality and quantity services to stakeholders across 10 counties, including data on aquatic invasive species, technical aspects, and financials.3. Initiated and led development and deployment of Aquatic Invasive Species prevention program throughout 10 counties.4. Participated in consolidation of 13 water management plans into one by pioneering One Watershed One Plan initiative.5. Increased community interest conservation via educational efforts, sales programs, outdoor activities, committee involvement, focused group development, and providing technical feedback on water plans and grant funding allocations.

Saint Paul, Mn

Saint Paul, Mn

Saint Paul, Mn

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management 3211/5211 :Survey, Measurement, and Modeling for Environmental Analysis

Saint Paul, Mn

Saint Peter, Mn

Saint Peter, Mn

Executive Leadership Development Program

Masters Of Science, Forest Hydrology And Watershed Management

Thesis: Understanding the Potential Adoption of Saturated Buffers by Owner Operators in the Elm Creek Watershed, MN.

M.S., Agricultural Economics

12 credits completed

Minnesota Agricultural And Rural Leadership Program, Class X

18 month leadership program supported and led by SMSU, SMSU Foundation, and the University of Minnesota. 9 in-state seminars, 1 Washington.

B.A., Environmental Studies/French

Activities and Societies: GAC Lacrosse, Campus Activities Board- Films & Coffeehouse Shows, GAC Swimming