“We are thrilled to share that Nathan Aaberg has been selected as the new CEO/President of the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (JDCF) following a comprehensive six-month executive search. Nathan will officially assume his role on June 22, succeeding our current executive director, Steve Barg, who is retiring after 13 years of dedicated service,” says JDCF board chair, Alan Wenzel. “Nathan will bring a passion for nature, his diverse skills and experiences, his ability to build partnerships among diverse groups to accomplish strategic goals, and his background in promoting conservation-friendly agriculture to his work at JDCF. We are looking forward to Nathan’s leadership in continuing the growth of JDCF’s education and outreach efforts and expanding our cooperative relationships with conservation minded partners within our region.”

Nathan began his professional career managing the export of Winnebago motorhomes from rural Iowa to Japan for an international business. His life changed direction dramatically when he decided to devote his life to conservation with particular interest in ways people can use nature while sustaining its health. Over the last 26 years, he has engaged in education, fundraising, communications, advocacy, land stewardship, and program implementation for four nonprofits. These included Friends of the Chicago River and most recently The Land Connection where he launched the Illinois FarmLink program. This statewide program helps farmers find land and farmland owners find farmers who share similar land stewardship values.”

Nathan and his wife Mayumi have been residents of Galena since 2025. “My wife Mayumi and I moved here last July to be closer to our sons and because we fell in love with the Driftless,” said Nathan. “It is the dream of a lifetime to have the opportunity to be part of the wonderful JDCF community and to lead its efforts to protect and restore this beautiful Illinois place.”

Please join us at one of two open houses JDCF is hosting on May 30 and June 20 as part of our Inspiring You to Preserve Our Future fundraising campaign for a chance to meet and talk with Nathan.  See our events page for details.