Executive Director

Professional Bio

For more than 35 years Whitney has worked to improve Minnesota’s environment as a staff member for several environmental organizations including Clean Water Action and Citizens for a Better Environment. During his 27-year tenure as executive director, he has led FMR’s growth from a start-up group with one full-time employee to one of Minnesota’s largest and most effective conservation organizations with a staff of 25. Whitney has extensive experience in environmental policy, lobbying, advocacy and education campaigns, partnership building around environmental issues and fundraising. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from the University of Minnesota. Whitney is the recipient of the 2017 Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Transformational Leader Award.

FMR Role

Whitney oversees all aspects of FMR’s programs and operations and serves as the organization’s primary spokesperson. He works closely with the Board of Directors to guide organizational policy and set strategic goals and plays an active role in each of the organization’s programs. Whitney also works very closely with FMR’s donors to ensure a growing base of support for FMR’s work.

Personal Details

Whitney says he “strongly resonates” with E.B. White’s comment “I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world.” Whitney’s preferred ways to enjoy the world are spending time with his wife and two daughters paddling rivers and exploring wild places. He loves reading, traveling, live music and claims the craft beer revolution gives him “hope for humanity.”

Contact

wclark@fmr.org, 651.477.0912