Heather Reading brings over 20 years of expertise in land and water conservation to lead the Conservation Division at Land Advisors Organization. She focuses on conservation transactions and advisory services that solve land use and resource challenges, protect drinking water supplies, improve recreational opportunities, and contribute to healthy communities with vibrant economies. As a trusted Conservation Advisor, she enjoys working with landowners to develop creative strategies tailored to their individual needs and helping them to leave a lasting legacy. Prior to joining Land Advisors Organization in 2020, Heather served as Land & Water Protection Director for The Nature Conservancy in Arizona. She protected thousands of acres of Arizona’s most important conservation lands for future generations, secured flowing rivers and state drinking water supplies, expanded state parks and trail systems, and helped families to save their working farms and ranches. Her conservation success was accomplished by negotiating complex real estate transactions, developing market-based solutions, facilitating public-private partnerships, and shaping public policy. Heather helped shape the 2018 Farm Bill by working at local, state, and national levels to improve conservation programs and increase funding; she then directed multi-millions in Farm Bill funding to Arizona. She assisted in efforts to successfully pass the Great American Outdoors Act and works at state and national levels to increase funding to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. She utilizes these sources to secure multi-million dollar funding awards for current projects. She is also developing new fund sources and creative financing strategies for conservation with corporate business partners.Heather earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Forestry from Northern Arizona University. She is a licensed real estate agent in AZ. Heather is a member of the AZ Women in Water and Agribusiness Council and serves on AZ Forward’s State Water Strategies Committee. She also serves on the Maricopa Trail and Parks Foundation Board and as an advisory committee member for White Tank Mountains Conservancy.Heather and her husband, Rich Reading, recently purchased their favorite outdoor gear store in Flagstaff, AZ - Aspen Sports - and are proud to be successful small business owners and members of the Flagstaff business community. Aspen Sports provides another avenue for Heather to connect people with nature and for Rich to share his passion for outdoor adventures.