AUSTIN — Texan by Nature (TxN), a conservation focused nonprofit founded by former First Lady Laura Bush in 2011, has officially named Joni Carswell as Executive Director. Texan by Nature connects communities, conservation groups, and corporations in partnership to establish and catalyze conservation initiatives that deliver measurable impact. Carswell brings a business and technology leadership background to Texan by Nature’s focus on Texan-led, science-based programs and investments.
“In Joni we have found the right combination of innovation, leadership and heart to advance our efforts,” said Tina Buford, Board President of Texan by Nature. “We are thrilled for her to lead our mission forward in championing a new brand of Texas conservation focused on collaboration, community and impact for our great state.”
Most recently, Carswell was the President and CEO of family engagement platform LivingTree where she drove strategy, technology and community involvement, helping over a million users at school districts across the country deepen family engagement. Under Carswell’s tenure, LivingTree more than tripled its user base each year, and was also recognized with the Stevie Women in Business Gold Award for Community Involvement Program of the Year and Silver Award for Mobile App of the Year. The National School Board Association named LivingTree in its Innovation Showcase in 2017. Previously, Carswell held leadership roles in planning and strategy at Polycom and Dell where she managed three-year planning for multi-billion dollar product portfolios.
“As a fourth-generation Texan, it is an absolute honor to lead Texan by Nature in our effort to becoming a greater catalyst for natural resource conservation in Texas and the nation,” said Joni Carswell, Executive Director of Texan by Nature. “I am excited to take the helm at TxN and apply the growth strategy, data based frameworks and collaboration that have yielded success in business and technology. I look forward to working with all TxN partners, Texas communities, industries and leadership in creating a true conservation economy in Texas – one that benefits our prosperity, people and natural resources for generations to come.”
Carswell replaces current interim Executive Director, Matt Wagner, retired Deputy Director for the Wildlife Division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Matt Wagner will continue to work with Texan by Nature to establish partnerships and conservation initiatives.
—Texan by Nature
BUSINESS WIRE
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