Friends of the Hylebos today announced Laurie W. Austin as Director of Development. Ms. Austin is responsible for managing a growing fund development program for the Federal Way-based nonprofit conservation organization. She is well-suited to guiding the organization’s burgeoning fund development program. She has a deep experience in fund development, having served as Development Director for established organizations such as the Cornish College of the Arts and the Hearing, Speech and Deafness Center.  Most recently, Ms. Austin served as Membership and Annual Giving Manager for the Museum of Glass.

“Friends of the Hylebos is engaged in landmark work to benefit the quality of life of an entire community.  I look forward to bringing our message to people throughout the region and to building strong support for the Friends.  We must all invest in protecting our precious natural spaces, creating clean water and a healthy environment," Laurie said. 

“We are excited to have someone of Laurie’s skills and experience joining our team,” said Friends’ Executive Director Chris Carrel.  “In Laurie, we have an individual who will help us grow our fund development program so that we can achieve our goals of ensuring clean air, clean water and healthy forests for our community.”

The Friends is well positioned to build a successful fund development program, with a thriving conservation program and growing regional recognition.  Last year, as the Friends celebrated its 25th anniversary, the Cascade Land Conservancy awarded the group its 2008 Land Stewardship Award.

Ms. Austin can be contacted at the Friends of the Hylebos at 253-874-2005 or by email at laurie@hylebos.org.

Friends of the Hylebos is a nonprofit conservation organization, founded in 1983 and working to protect and restore the environmental quality of Hylebos Creek, the West Hylebos Wetlands and the surrounding watershed. More information about the Friends and volunteer opportunities can be found at the group’s website www.hylebos.org, or by calling 253.874.2005.