Davidson Lands Conservancy (DLC) announces today that Autumn Rierson Michael is stepping down as executive director effective March 15, after five years at the helm of the Conservancy. Dave Cable, current volunteer director of land protection, will assume leadership as interim executive director.
Since 2015, Michael has overseen significant advances for DLC, including accreditation by the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission; the successful launch of DLC’s Forever Fund capital campaign; coordinating its major annual fundraiser, Run for Green; and, most importantly, the preservation of three new conservation easement properties, with a full pipeline of impending agreements.
Michael will continue her civic leadership in her second term as an elected official on the Town of Davidson Board of Commissioners. She said that the last five years have been a time of great excitement and growth for DLC. “Attaining accreditation in particular sets up DLC as a truly sustainable organization, better able to meet its long-term conservation stewardship responsibilities. Now feels like the right time for me to step away and lean in to my Town responsibilities.”
DLC Board President Gordon Clark said, “Autumn took on DLC at a critical juncture and has moved us forward on many fronts. As we celebrate her service, we are fortunate to have Dave Cable willing to lead our board through a strategic visioning process. His expertise will ensure that the organization is poised for maximum impact and sustainability going forward.”
A Davidson resident, Cable is an experienced conservationist with a deep passion for land preservation and urban forestry. Previously, he was executive director of TreesCharlotte and served seven years as executive director of Catawba Lands Conservancy and the Carolina Thread Trail.
Cable’s local experience includes volunteering as DLC’s director of land protection and cochairing DLC’s Forever Fund campaign, which garnered $530,000 in community support for direct land conservation. Cable has also volunteered with TreesDavidson and several Town committees, including the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group, the 251 South Committee, the Livability Board, and the Beaty Park Task Force. Recently, he helped revamp Davidson’s tree ordinance.
“I love our conservation work and am grateful for this opportunity to move DLC forward,” Cable said. “We are poised for major impact, building on Autumn’s good work. We have an exciting alignment of board talent and leadership, an energetic staff, and strong community support.”
Since its founding in 2000, DLC has made a lasting impact in the greater Davidson area by working with landowners to conserve land and by raising awareness about the critical role nature and natural lands play in our community and our health. For more information about DLC, visit www.davidsonlands.org.
Autumn Michael, Executive Director
