The Trust for Nature board announces that after 13 years of leading and transforming Trust for Nature, CEO Vic Marles is stepping down from the role of CEO.

Vic has led the Trust for a quarter of its existence, and has implemented a lot of change over that time. Board Chair of Trust for Nature Gayle Austen said Vic has guided the organisation through a period of significant growth and consolidation.

Gayle said, “Vic has worked with energy, commitment and vision to build Trust for Nature into the pre-eminent body in Victoria in the private land conservation sector. There are now over 1,500 Trust for Nature conservation covenants in Victoria—a testament to the success of the Trust under Vic. Along with these and other on-ground conservation achievements, Vic has made sure that the organisation and our fantastic staff have grown too, so that the Trust has the systems, skills and human capital to support these achievements and to continue to grow and to pursue the vision of the Trust to protect biodiversity on private land in Victoria.”

Gayle said, “On behalf of the board I’d like to thank Vic for her work at the Trust and wish her all the very best for the next phase of her life and career.”

In announcing that she will be leaving Trust for Nature, in a year that also coincides with the organisation celebrating its 50^th anniversary, Vic said it had been an enormous privilege to work for the Trust.

“I came to the job of CEO as an owner of land protected by a Trust for Nature covenant.  I have been so proud to work with an organisation which embeds its long term vision into its daily practice.  It has been an ongoing privilege to have worked with colleagues and stakeholders who are all deeply committed to protecting nature in Victoria in perpetuity and I would like to thank them all.  It has been inspiring to work closely with so many people whose actions are dedicated to the supremacy of our natural world.  Thank you.”

Vic said, “My commitment to conservation will continue and I look forward to contributing to the private land conservation sector in the future.  At a personal level I am still a proud owner of a covenanted property in North Central Victoria.  This has been and will continue to be a powerful through line for my life.”

Vic’s last day with Trust for Nature will be in mid-October when she goes on long service leave. Acting arrangements will be put in place until a new CEO is appointed.