Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park CEO Deb Yandala to Step Down in Spring 2025
After over two decades at the helm, Deb Yandala, President and CEO of the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, announced her decision to step down from her role in the first half of 2025. Yandala, who has served as CEO since July 2002, has been a driving force in the Conservancy’s remarkable growth and success.
“It has been a privilege to lead this growing organization and to work alongside the National Park Service,” stated Yandala. “Outstanding board and staff members, dedicated donors and volunteers, and strong community support for the park have made this a dream job for me. Together we have made a difference in protecting and enhancing the park that we all love.”
Yandala’s impact on the Conservancy is undeniable. Under her leadership, the organization expanded from a staff of 24 to 100, with a budget increase from $1.2 million to $8 million. The Conservancy has achieved significant milestones under her strategic vision, including the development of funds for trails, land acquisition, and the funding, planning, and construction of the Boston Mill Visitor Center.
The Conservancy has become a national leader in the movement to support national parks, earning recognition as one of the largest friends groups in the country. Its partnership with Cuyahoga Valley National Park is widely considered one of the most effective in the National Park System. Yandala’s leadership extends beyond the Conservancy, as she served as president of the National Park Friends Alliance, the national network of nonprofit organizations that support parks. Last year, a scholarship fund was named in her honor.
While stepping down as CEO, Yandala will remain in the role until a new leader joins the organization. The board will immediately commence the search process, aiming to have a new CEO in place within the next 6-8 months.
Yandala shared her plans for the future, expressing her excitement to pursue part-time contractual work that will allow her more time with family and friends. This will afford her the opportunity to enjoy the natural treasures of Northeast Ohio, following her own advice to hike, bike, kayak, and embrace the outdoors.
Conservancy Accomplishments Under Deb Yandala’s Leadership:
Yandala’s journey with the Conservancy began in 1992 when she was hired to write curriculum for the new Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center. She later became its director, remaining in that position until becoming CEO of the Conservancy, which was formed through the merger of the education center and the former Cuyahoga Valley Association.
Under her leadership, the education center thrived, welcoming students every day of the school year and earning recognition for its creativity in arts, technology, and leadership development programs for aspiring environmental educators.
The Conservancy’s legacy extends beyond its educational efforts, encompassing a wide range of impactful projects, including:
* The $300,000 renovation of historic buildings in Boston Township, transforming them into the park’s volunteer center.
* The renovation of Stanford House, providing overnight lodging for guests.
* The establishment of three retail outlets: Trail Mix in Peninsula, the Boston Store, and a retail store in the Boston Mill Visitor Center.
* The development of the Extraordinary Spaces program, where the Conservancy leases buildings from the National Park Service and offers event planning and hosting services to the public at Happy Days Lodge and the Hines Hill Campus.
* Oversight of the park’s cultural arts program, including concerts, educational programs, an art gallery, and artist-led programs and projects.
* Co-management of the park’s volunteer program, supporting thousands of volunteers and hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours annually.
* The acquisition of 215 acres at market value, comprising the former Brandywine Golf Course, followed by the sale of 200 acres to the National Park Service at the appraised value, alongside overseeing concept design planning for the property.
* Establishment of the Trails Forever endowment fund for long-term support of park trails and the establishment of a fund in support of the Towpath Trail.
* Funding for a variety of projects, ranging from equestrian trails to scholarships for students to participate in education programs.
* Funding, design, and renovation of the Hines Hill location for Conservancy headquarters.
* Funding, design, and construction of a $6.4 million National Park Visitors Center.
About Conservancy for CVNP:
The Conservancy for CVNP is the official friends group and philanthropic partner for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Dedicated to enriching lives and enhancing the region through inspired use, preservation, and support of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Conservancy offers cultural and educational programming, co-manages the park’s volunteer program, provides venues for weddings, meetings, and special events, and operates park retail spaces.
To learn more, visit www.forcvnp.org.