FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
WASHINGTON, DC – Dan Puskar announced that he will resign as President and CEO of the Public Lands Alliance (PLA) on June 15 and step into a new conservation opportunity later this summer. The Board of Directors will begin a national search for his successor immediately.
“Dan has been exactly the leader Public Lands Alliance needed to catalyze its growth and elevate its impact,” said Caroline Ward, PLA Board Chair. “His vision, skillful advocacy, and remarkable communication skills have inspired countless individuals and organizations to support and protect our public lands. Most importantly, Dan has laid a strong foundation for PLA’s future, and we are confident the next leader will be well-positioned to build on his lasting legacy.”
Puskar’s departure marks the close of a remarkable 12-year tenure at the helm of the nearly 50-year-old nonprofit organization that connects, strengthens and champions the nonprofit partners of America’s beloved public lands. Under his leadership, PLA more than doubled and diversified its annual membership, hosted an annual convention and trade show that attracted more than 800+ people, secured more than $1 million in multiyear cooperative agreements with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, expanded corporate and foundation relationships, and secured new authorities and policies to enhance public lands partnerships. During his time at PLA, Puskar testified before the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives at the invitation of both Republicans and Democrats to help shape critical legislation like the National Park Service Centennial Act and the Great American Outdoors Act. Through these achievements, PLA staff increased 60% while net assets grew 175% and annual revenue 310%.
“Partnerships have never been more essential to the health and vitality of national and state parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other public lands,” said Dan Puskar. “I am honored to have led Public Lands Alliance and amplify its commitment to serving the nonprofit partners of America’s public lands. And I look forward to continuing to engage with PLA members in the years to come.”
Theresa McMullan, currently the organization’s Treasurer, has been named Interim Chief Executive Officer effective June 16, 2025. McMullan will take a leave of absence from the PLA Board of Directors until a permanent President and CEO of the Public Lands Alliance is selected. The Public Lands Alliance board of directors has appointed a special committee to direct the national search for a successor. The committee is chaired by Ray Foote, vice president of The Compass Group, and includes Heidi Doyle, Jeff Gabriel, Theresa McMullan, Richard Page, and Joann Van Aken.
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About Public Lands Alliance
Public Lands Alliance (PLA) has been connecting, strengthening, and representing the nonprofit partners of America’s public lands since 1977, in pursuit of a world where public lands are valued, preserved, and enjoyed by all. Its members are nonprofit organizations with formal partnerships with land management agencies to support parks, forests, wildlife refuges, cultural sites, and other public lands sites. PLA members serve over 675 sites nationwide and raise $250 million annually to support those lands.