Important Announcement: Transitioning to a New Chapter at EarthCorps
Dear EarthCorps Community:
I am writing to share some important news with you. After much reflection, I have decided it is time to transition from my role as Executive Director at EarthCorps. This decision comes with a mix of emotions, as my time here has been incredibly fulfilling and transformative for both me and the organization.
Together we’ve achieved several extraordinary milestones that I am proud to reflect upon:
- We developed and rolled out a new three-year strategic plan that is guiding our future direction.
- We secured over $1.7M in new grant funding, which has been crucial in supporting our programs and new initiatives.
- We increased staff salaries, benefits, and corps member stipends, including the addition of a housing stipend, demonstrating our deep commitment to valuing and supporting our team.
- We reinstated our international program and welcomed 12 new international members to the EarthCorps family. Building on this momentum, we plan to return the program to full capacity next year and are currently recruiting for that cohort.
- We launched a high school internship program that started in one school, has grown to include four schools this year, and is set to expand to nine schools next year.
- Since our first year, we’ve grown our community partnerships from three to seven and we are on track to reach a total of 13 partnerships in the upcoming year.
- We proudly joined the WA Climate Corps, aligning our mission with broader environmental efforts.
- We implemented a more inclusive budget process, enhanced transparency, and developed a shared decision-making process across the organization.
As I look ahead, I am inspired to pursue new opportunities that resonate more deeply with my personal passions and professional aspirations. I am confident that EarthCorps is in a strong position to continue its impactful work and build on the progress we have made.
While I will be stepping down from my role as Executive Director, I am excited to continue supporting EarthCorps in a new capacity as a member of the Board of Directors. I will work closely with the Board to ensure a smooth transition and to find a successor who is dedicated to upholding our work and maintaining our commitments.
As we search for a new leader, we welcome your assistance in spreading the word to potential candidates who may be interested in this crucial role. You can view the opportunity profile here. Your support in sharing this within your networks is greatly appreciated.
It is important to me that you know there will be no changes to our work or our commitments to you. The transition will be handled with great care to ensure that our projects and relationships continue seamlessly.
My last day in the Executive Director role will be February 1, 2025. During this time, I will be focused on ensuring a successful handover to the next Executive Director, who will continue our mission and goals with the same dedication.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your support and collaboration throughout my tenure. The accomplishments we have achieved together are a testament to the dedication and passion of the entire EarthCorps community. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a remarkable team and look forward to continuing our journey together in my new role on the board.
Thank you once again for your continued support and for being a part of this extraordinary journey. I look forward to seeing you at Revive.
Warmest regards,
Evlyn Andrade
Executive Director
EarthCorps
Dear EarthCorps Community,
Evlyn has been pivotal in guiding EarthCorps through an incredibly challenging post-pandemic period, and we are deeply grateful for her exceptional leadership. As she pursues new ventures that resonate with her personal interests and career goals, we fully support her decision and celebrate the lasting positive impact she has made during her tenure.
During her tenure, Evlyn steadfastly advanced our mission of environmental restoration, with a strong focus on communities most impacted by environmental injustice, particularly marginalized groups. Under her leadership, EarthCorps raised wages for staff and Corps members, set a bold vision for equity, inclusion, and justice, and ensured that our work remained at the forefront of environmental and social change.
Evlyn leaves behind a solid foundation: a robust organizational infrastructure, a talented and passionate staff and Corps, a committed board, and a global network of alumni, volunteers, partners, donors, and supporters who remain dedicated to our mission. Her contributions have positioned EarthCorps for continued success and growth as we move forward. We are thrilled that Evlyn will remain involved with EarthCorps by joining our Board of Directors, where her insight and dedication will continue to be invaluable.
As we embark on the search for a new Executive Director, the board is committed to finding a candidate who shares our dedication to environmental restoration, equity, and justice. We seek someone with the experience, expertise, and vision to lead EarthCorps through the opportunities and challenges ahead. If you know of qualified individuals who might be interested in this role, please share this position posting with them. Your support in helping us find the right leader for EarthCorps is greatly appreciated.
We are confident in the path forward and excited about the future. We will keep you informed as the search process unfolds, and we look forward to working with all of you to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
Thank you for your continued support and belief in the mission of EarthCorps.
Sincerely,
Shanon Tysland
Board President
EarthCorps