We are excited to introduce NatureBridge’s new CFO Leslie Smith! Leslie comes to us with a wide-spanning background in nonprofit and for-profit finance and business operations, as well as a passion for and love of outdoor learning and experiences. “My fondest outdoor experiences are so closely connected to being with people I love, like visiting the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area with my grandparents during the summer or hiking in Tahoe with my mom,” Leslie recalls. “But for sheer awesome natural beauty, one of my favorite places is Zion National Park in Utah.”
Leslie’s interest in nature and science extends from her younger days, both as a student in middle school and all the way to college and beyond! “I was very fortunate to experience first-hand the benefits of outdoor environmental education at a young age. From visiting the Marin Headlands as a middle schooler, to doing research at a Montana field station as a geology major during college, those early life experiences profoundly shaped my understanding of the natural environment and its stewardship,” Leslie explains.
I'm excited about the way NatureBridge immerses students from diverse backgrounds in the natural sciences while fostering personal growth and igniting a lifelong passion for conservation.Leslie Smith, NatureBridge CFO
Among the things Leslie is looking forward to in joining NatureBridge is participating in our mission to connect young people of all backgrounds to the wonder and science of nature. She states, “I'm excited about the way NatureBridge immerses students from diverse backgrounds in the natural sciences while fostering personal growth and igniting a lifelong passion for conservation. It’s an honor to join such an impactful and highly-regarded organization, and I look forward to doing my part to help NatureBridge continue its important work for generations to come.”