ICL names new executive director

The Idaho Conservation League and its board of directors announced Courtney Washburn as executive director. She will lead the Idaho nonprofit starting Oct. 28.

Washburn brings over 25 years of conservation leadership, strategic execution and public policy expertise to the role. Most recently, Washburn served as a consultant for American Rivers, advancing key conservation priorities. 

"The Idaho Conservation League has been at the forefront of protecting Idaho’s wild places and public health for over 50 years," said Washburn. "As we look ahead, the challenges facing our environment require bold collaboration, strong advocacy and community-driven action. I look forward to leading ICL into this next chapter."

Washburn’s leadership background also includes serving as executive director of Conservation Voters for Idaho from 2015 to 2020 and as ICL’s Community Conservation director and Statehouse lobbyist from 2006 to 2015.

"Returning to the Idaho Conservation League as Executive Director is both an honor and a deeply personal homecoming for me," Washburn said. "Idaho's clean air, clean water and iconic public lands are central to our way of life and our state's future. I am thrilled to work alongside ICL’s dedicated team, board, partners and members across the state to build pragmatic, lasting solutions that protect the Idaho we all love for generations to come.”

Washburn is stepping into the executive director role after Justin Hayes, who has served as ICL’s executive director since 2018.

ICL staff and board were invited to Courtney's final interview and on-site visit, which drew overwhelming support for her as ICL's next executive director, a press release said.

“Sometimes a person tries to fit the job. Sometimes the job is made to fit the person. Courtney Washburn as the new executive director for the Idaho Conservation League is a match of equals,” said Gregg Servheen, ICL’s board chair.

ICL is a not-for-profit, Idaho-based conservation organization with more than 30,000 supporters. It was founded in 1973. Its 28 staff members work out of offices in Boise, Ketchum, McCall, Sandpoint and Washington state.