Donald Stephens recognized as Member of the 2023 Next Generation Leadership Institute

  • Donald Stephens recognized as Member of the 2023 Next Generation Leadership Institute
    Donald Stephens recognized as Member of the 2023 Next Generation Leadership Institute

Donald Stephens, of Bristow, OK, has been named as one of seven individuals selected to participate in the National Conservation Foundation’s (NCF) second cohort of the Next Generation Leadership Institute (NGLI).

Formally launched in August of 2019 as a year-long program to advance conservation leadership, NGLI was created in response to a high demand for leadership instruction for conservation district leaders facing the challenges of a changing world. NGLI was established as an institution that provides conservation professionals with the tools to become national leaders through personal, civic, and organizational leadership development.

The 2023 NGLI cohort participants were selected through a competitive national application process. This will be the second cohort for the program since its launch in 2019.

“You can only become accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal, instead, pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you. By: Maya Angelou,” said Stephens.

Stephens, and the rest of the 2023 cohort met for the first time at the National Association of Conservation District’s (NACD) 2023 Annual Meeting in February 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The cohort participated in sessions which featured generational intelligence, emotional intelligence quotient, personal leadership styles, diversity, and conflict.

“The NGLI program is rooted in advancing the leadership skills and professional development of the next generation of conservation leaders,” said NCF Chair Brent Van Dyke. “I look forward to watching this new group of cohort members continue to grow throughout this leadership program. I’m confident they will use these valuable lessons to advance their professional careers and the future of the conservation movement.”

Participants will meet for three additional training sessions throughout the year, with a capstone session at the 2024 NACD Annual Meeting in San Diego. NGLI’s curriculum will equip leaders with skills and resources related to personal, civic, and organizational leadership development.

For more information on the NGLI program and this cohort, please visit www.nationaconservationfoundation. org.