Mojave Desert Land Trust Board appoints Kelly Herbinson as Executive Director

MEDIA RELEASE  
February 1, 2024 
Contact: Jessica Dacey, Director of Communications  
Phone: 760-820-2275. Email: jessica@mdlt.org  

Mojave Desert Land Trust Board appoints Kelly Herbinson as Executive Director 

Joshua Tree, CA – The Mojave Desert Land Trust has revised its executive leadership structure to meet the evolving needs of the organization. After over two years serving as Joint Executive Director, Kelly Herbinson has been appointed Executive Director. Joint Executive Director Cody Hanford has taken on the role of Deputy Executive Director and Chief Conservation Officer.  

The new appointments by the Board of Directors will help the organization fulfil the ambitious desert preservation agenda outlined in its Strategic Plan and adapt to expanding programming and operations.  

Since its founding in 2006, MDLT has protected approximately 120,000 acres of ecologically significant land and grown over 120,000 native plants for restoration and community use. As one of the leading land trusts in the country, it has conveyed more tracts of land to the National Park Service than any nonprofit since 2006.  

MDLT has set bold goals for the future including the protection of an additional 100,000 acres by 2030. It has cultivated a multi-faceted conservation strategy that uses land acquisition, restoration, stewardship, plant cultivation, and education to ensure the long-term preservation of the California desert. 

As Joint Executive Directors between 2021 and 2023, Ms. Herbinson and Mr. Hanford ushered in a new Strategic Plan for the organization, oversaw the protection of 11,139 additional acres, including 1,500 acres of Caliente Creek in Kern County, welcomed the milestone of 100,000 native plants grown since 2016, and helped secure lasting legislative protections for the western Joshua tree.  

Ms. Herbinson assumes the role of Executive Director on February 1, 2024. She brings 20 years of experience working in conservation, biological research, and community outreach and education, mostly focused on protecting the Mojave Desert region of California. Her work focused on Mojave Desert tortoise biology and ecology, and the impacts of renewable energy development on desert ecosystems. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution, a Master of Science degree in Ecology and Systematics, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Nonfiction Writing. Prior to joining MDLT, Ms. Herbinson worked with the Turtle Conservancy, developing an innovative education program teaching high school science through active participation in local turtle conservation programs, empowering youth to be community conservation leaders. She served on the Mojave Desert Land Trust’s Board of Directors from 2013 to 2021. 

“I’m honored to continue leading our dedicated staff as we challenge ourselves to strive for innovation and impact in this critical moment for desert conservation. Our desert region continues to suffer habitat and biodiversity loss accelerated by development and climate disruption. In my 11-year tenure as a board member and Joint Executive Director, I’ve watched MDLT grow into a thoughtful and forward-thinking leader in conservation. I look forward to continuing cultivation of our courageous, inclusive, and bold strategies to maintain an interconnected and whole ecosystem for the plants, animals, and people that call it home,” said Ms. Herbinson, Executive Director.  

Mr. Hanford served as MDLT’s Deputy Executive Director prior to taking on the role of Joint Executive Director, leading the formation of the organization’s newly-formed Natural Resources Management Division of land acquisition, stewardship and restoration, and native plant propagation programs. In his new dual role as Deputy Executive Director and Chief Conservation Officer, he will be responsible for accelerated landscape scale conservation of the desert, as well as oversight of a $3.19 million expansion of the Mojave Desert Seed Bank.    

“I have been a part of the Mojave Desert Land Trust for over a decade as a contractor, supporter, partner, and Joint Executive Director. I am looking forward to moving into this new role for the next chapter of our work to ensure the long-term protection of this critical ecoregion. I am thrilled to continue working together with Kelly, and to help support her vision for the organization,” said Mr. Hanford, Deputy Executive Director.  

The Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission to protect and care for lands with natural, scenic, and cultural value within the Colorado and Mojave Deserts. Since its founding in 2006, MDLT has conserved approximately 120,000 acres, conveying more tracts of land to the National Park Service than any other nonprofit. MDLT established a conservation seed bank to ensure the preservation of native species and operates an onsite nursery at its Joshua Tree headquarters which has grown over 120,000 native plants for restoration projects and community landscaping. MDLT educates and advocates for the conservation of the desert, involving hundreds of volunteers in our work. For more information, visit mdlt.org.