LCWM Announces Departure of Executive Director Kim Karn

LCWM Announces Departure of Executive Director Kim Karn

Land Conservancy of West Michigan (LCWM) Executive Director Kim Karn will step down from her position on October 23, 2026 to pursue a new career opportunity.

“It has been a great honor to serve the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and its mission for the last seven years, through our milestone celebration of 50 years of keeping nature nearby,” Kim said. “As I prepare for an exciting new role, I take heart knowing that LCWM is in a strong position to build upon our successes as the organization turns its focus to the next 50 years of conservation.”

Kim began her term at LCWM in 2019 in the role of development director. She stepped into the executive director position in 2021. As executive director, Kim helped finish the first phases of the Dune Harbor Park Muskegon County project, protecting 377 acres of lakeshore habitat in Norton Shores. Under her leadership, the Land Conservancy added four nature preserves, two community conservation projects, and eight conservation easements to its roster, protecting over 1500 acres of vital habitat in the focal areas of LCWM’s Strategic Conservation Plan.

“With Kim at the helm, LCWM made important advancements evident not only in the increased acreage of protected land, but in the improvement of internal functions,” said LCWM Board Chair David Marquardt. “Kim led the organization in the development of a strategic plan to complement the existing Strategic Conservation Plan and championed equity, inclusion, and staff wellness as executive director, and we are very grateful for her leadership. We wish her the best in her new role.”

A search committee has been formed to conduct a search for Kim’s successor. An interim executive director will be named later this month.