By Desiree Van Dyke, NACD Southwest Region Representative

Nearly every U.S. state and territory has a conservation district association dedicated to representing districts within its jurisdiction. Many are led by an executive director responsible for guiding the organization’s work. The roles of these directors vary by state, but generally, they support board-led advocacy, seek out grant funding, and build partnerships that strengthen locally-led conservation.  

The Association of Conservation Executive Directors (ACED) became an NACD affiliate group in 2023. The role of an executive director of a state or territory association of conservation districts is unique, but because each state and territory operates differently, it can also be a solitary one. ACED has grown into a national network that keeps executive directors connected and informed.  

The partnership between ACED and NACD is mutually beneficial. NACD provides administrative support and allows ACED to operate under its nonprofit status. In return, ACED offers a direct and efficient way to share information with executive directors and gather input from states and territories.  

One of the most valuable aspects of ACED is the range of experience within the group. Long-time executive directors bring practical knowledge shaped by years of experience, while newer executive directors contribute fresh ideas and perspectives. This diversity strengthens the network. As ACED President Janelle Mead shared, “There is a wealth of knowledge among executive directors across the country, and sharing those experiences helps all of us do our jobs better.” 

Shared Resources and Support
ACED maintains a collection of resources developed by executive directors that you can access through their website. These include templates, policies, job descriptions, and other resources that originated from work carried out in states and territories. They are available for anyone to use as is or as a guide for creating your own materials. 

When a question comes up that is not covered in the resource library, ACED’s network is here to help. Regional representatives can connect executive directors with peers who have worked through similar situations, creating opportunities to share approaches and lessons learned. More information, including access to resources, is available here. 

Eligibility
All conservation district executive directors from states and territories are eligible to participate. If a state or territory does not have an executive director, they can submit a petition to ACED for alternative representation. There are no dues required to join. 

Meetings  
ACED meets in person at NACD’s Annual Meeting and hosts its own conference each October. Virtual meetings are held every other month to maintain regular communication and information sharing throughout the year. 

ACED Leadership and Regional Representatives
ACED leadership serves two-year terms, supporting continuity while also bringing in new perspectives over time.

2026 Leadership 

• President: Janelle Mead (OH) 
• Vice President: Jen Nelson (DE MD) 
• Past President:  Bryan Evans (NC) 

2026 Regional Representatives 

• North Central Region: Janelle Mead (OH, ACED President)
• Northeast Region: Jen Nelson (DE MD, ACED Vice President)
• Northern Plains Region: Angela Ehlers (SD)
• Pacific Region: Tom Salzer (WA)
• South Central Region: Vacant
• Southeast Region: Kendall Tyree (VA)
• Southwest Region: Abby Grey (CO)

Tags: Did You Know?, ACED