Benjamin Cox
Executive Director @Friends Of The Forest Preserves
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WORK HISTORY
Executive Director @Friends Of The Forest Preserves
Chicago, IL, US
Highlight- Led coalition of 167 organizations to secure win for referendum in support of the forest preserves with a resounding 69 percent of the vote in November 2022; bringing more than $40 million annually—$1 billion over the next 25 years—in new funding to conservation in Cook County in perpetuityCapacity and Strategy - Grew Friends from all-volunteer organization with one employee (self) and in bank to 50+ employees and $4.3 million budget; redeveloped board from working to governance model; and developed signature programs in advocacy, conservation corps, membership, public engagement, and volunteer organizing - Spearhead advocacy efforts to protect the forest preserves in Cook County, working with government agencies, politicians, other nonprofits, and individuals to: fend land grabs; improve a dam project; stopped massive dumping situations; and fought improve road projects- Pivoted relationship with partner agency, Forest Preserves of Cook County, from adversarial to collaborative; co-chaired lead advisory committee on strategic vision and direction; provided resources, solutions, and support to help drive turnaround in management, operations, and programs - Drove four strategic planning efforts with full community involvement; tracked performance; and ensured success raising organizational reputation throughout regionProgram- Led development of conservation corps intern programs with nearly 1,500 paid summer high school and adult year-round interns since 2007, delivering more than hours of conservation service- Co-developed and co-chaired fundraising efforts for multi-partner program to recruit, organize, and develop ecological restoration volunteers, resulting in participants and hours of service Development- Raised more than $18 million since 2004, as chief fundraiser, with $3.3 million in 2019 from private and public sources, including significant membership and major donor programs
EDUCATION
Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis
BA, Minors
SKILLS
ABOUT BENJAMIN COX
Executive Director, Friends of the Forest Preserves
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