DDWS Hires New Impact Officer

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

D’Ann Miller steps into the position of impact officer this week with the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge. The position was vacated earlier this year when Ann-Marie Wildman accepted a promotion to associate executive director for DDWS.

A Kansas City, Mo., native, Miller graduated from Park University in Parkville, Mo.

“She brings a unique skill set to the table with background and experience in communications and marketing, fundraising, budgeting, management, education, and community outreach, plus 19 years of nonprofit experience,” said Executive Director Birgie Miller Gresham. “She wraps it all together with a passion for conservation.”

After visiting the islands and “Ding” Darling for many years, Miller fell in love with their conservation ethic. Three years ago, she made the conscious decision to move to the island and become a part of the community. Most recently, she as a regional hotel operator on Sanibel and before that the executive director of Montessori School of Innovative Learning in Kansas City.

In the position of impact officer, she will use her skills to strengthen and enhance relationships with donors, volunteers, and community partners, as well as cultivate new donors who emerge from hurricane-related changes in homeowner status both on and off the island.

“I look forward to Sanibel’s rebuild within the ‘Ding’ Darling Refuge,” said Miller. “What I enjoy most about ‘Ding’ is the joy and smiles it brings to all ages – through nature.”

ABOUT DDWS
As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, DDWS works to support J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s mission of conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, research, and public education through charitable donations and Refuge Nature Shop profits. To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit dingdarlingsociety.org or contact Birgie Miller at 239-292-0566 or director@dingdarlingsociety.org.