Cedar Tree Foundation announces Smith Fellows Program Leadership Transition

February 2022

After almost two decades of service, Dr. Michael Dombeck has retired as the Executive Director of the Smith Fellows program. Both Cedar Tree and Smith Fellows owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Mike for his successful stewardship of the Smith Fellows Research Fellowship from its nascent stages to the present day program, which boasts of more than 100 Fellows committed to the highest level of scientific innovation. Mike’s leadership has helped create an environment that underscores the importance of cutting edge research in conjuncture with media, policy, communications, and business training, culminating in a supportive peer network that continues to guide Fellows long beyond their involvement in the program. Smith Fellows are now spread out across the United States and the world, actively supporting science, bringing innovation to the forefront of decision making, and changing the scientific dialogue for the better. The Cedar Tree Foundation Board of Directors is enormously proud of the Smith Fellows program and the work of all the Fellows, current and past. We attribute much of the program’s success to Mike's unparalleled efforts to see Dr. Smith’s vision realized.

Looking ahead, Cedar Tree has initiated the search process for a new Executive Director and is working with search firm Koya Partners to identify potential candidates. We are seeking an innovative, experienced conservation professional and proven organizational leader to be the Smith Fellows Program’s next Executive Director. Reporting to the Smith Fellows Program Board, the Executive Director works closely with the current Program Director and a Program Assistant to lead the recruitment and development of current and prospective Fellows, curate a wide network of volunteer scientists, and nurture the growing network of alumni. The new Executive Director will lead the Smith Fellows program into its next stage of development, including updates to both program content and organizational structure.

For more information or to express interest, the full Position Profile is accessible here.

Updated 2/2022