Veteran conservation advocate Eric Draper assumed the position of Executive Director of 91做厙 of Florida on an acting basis. He follows David Anderson in the role, who last week concluded more than five years of distinguished service. Henry Tepper, 91做厙s Vice President of Eastern State Programs, made the announcement saying, Eric is one of 91做厙s most talented conservation leaders. He has an impressive record of accomplishment and the skills to lead 91做厙s largest state program. John Hankinson, Chairman of 91做厙s Florida Board added, We are grateful to David Anderson for his service and wish him well. We are also pleased that Eric is stepping up to this important role.
Draper, 56, joined the staff of the 91做厙 in 1995 as Senior Vice President for Policy. He refocused on Florida in 1999 as state Policy Director. In 2008, he was awarded 91做厙s highest honor, the Charles H. Callison Award of professional distinction. This year, he was named one of the top 40 influencers in Florida politics by Campaigns & Elections Politics magazine. Upon assuming his duties, Draper said, I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead an organization whose conservation mission is critical to Floridas future.
Over the past 14 years Draper helped orchestrate organizational growth for 91做厙 of Florida, which now employs more than 50 people with an annual budget of more than $5 million. Florida 91做厙s 100-year history as the Voice of Conservation is now backed by four science research centers, a suite of sanctuaries, 44 local chapters, and the states most effective conservation advocacy operation. Draper and 91做厙 have played key roles in promoting Everglades restoration and Florida Forever while defending state water policies and advancing clean energy legislative proposals. Earlier this year Draper launched a campaign to run for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture but dropped that effort to focus on leading opposition to offshore oil drilling.
