SCB Executive Director To Step Down

Geri Unger

SCB Executive Director, Geri Unger, informed the Board of Governors last week that she has decided not to extend her contract. She will continue in her role as Executive Director until September. For those who know her and have worked with her, this is sad news for the Society for Conservation Biology. Her personal and professional dedication to and leadership within the Society has been tremendous. 

As executive director, she developed operational systems that are necessary for a 21st century non-profit professional society, undertaken important board restructuring, and strengthened our team of highly competent and passionate SCB staff by adding new skills and capacities. Geri has introduced new programs and ideas to SCB, as well as built and created many connections to the greater conservation community. She is - and should be - be very proud of her accomplishments. If you get the chance, please reach out and thank her.

Geri has told us it is bittersweet to be leaving in the near future. There are many individuals associated with SCB that have become important to her, as well as many programs and connections that she would like to see grow. The good news is she remains committed to working with us all during this transition and will continue to be an active member of the Society afterwards. 

On behalf of the Society, thank you, Geri, for everything you have done and all the best for your future endeavours.

SCB's Board of Governors is in the process of searching for a new executive director. If you have interest in the position, know of someone who would be a strong candidate or just want to share general thoughts, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. We will be sending out more information and the official position description in short order.

James Watson
SCB President


Geri and SCB EO staff