FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Long-time nonprofit and corporate executive to ensure PLA continues to deliver for its membership
WASHINGTON, DC – Public Lands Alliance (PLA) announced today that 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. Dick Cohen, PLA Board Director, and President of Friends of Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge will take over as Treasurer.
Dan Puskar, who has served as PLA President and CEO since June 2013, is resigning to join the Rock Creek Conservancy as its new executive director in July 2025. The PLA Board of Directors has begun a national search for his successor.
"We’re thrilled and grateful to have Theresa stepping in as Interim CEO at this pivotal time. Her extensive experience as a nonprofit leader, combined with her years of service on our board, makes her uniquely suited to guide us forward. Theresa’s strategic insight, marketing expertise and ability to forge strong partnerships in the public lands community will be invaluable in guiding us through this transitional phase without disruption,” said Caroline Ward, PLA Board Chair.
“I have witnessed the impact of PLA firsthand as a member of this dedicated community for the past ten years. It is an honor to step into this role at such a pivotal time. I look forward to working closely with the PLA team, our members, and partners to ensure a smooth transition until Dan’s successor is appointed and onboard," said Theresa McMullan.
As the CEO of Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) from 2019 to 2024, McMullan led efforts to develop public-private partnerships that benefited Grand Canyon National Park, expand earned income through park retail operations, and provide educational and adventure opportunities through the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute.
Theresa joined Grand Canyon Conservancy as a board member in 2014 and transitioned to staff in June 2015. As GCC's previous Chief Operating Officer, she oversaw retail operations, human resources, publishing, IT, and facilities management. She worked closely with National Park Service staff at Grand Canyon to implement special projects related to major fundraising initiatives. She participated in the park’s Inter-tribal Working Group to further the connection of the 11 Indigenous tribes associated with Grand Canyon National Park.
Before joining GCC, Theresa served as the Vice President of Marketing and Merchandising for SkyMall in Phoenix, Arizona. She was also the co-founder and President of a strategic marketing firm. Theresa is an avid hiker and backpacker, passionate about protecting and preserving public lands.
“Theresa is a trusted leader and partner to PLA’s members and corporate partners,” said Dan Puskar. “She is the perfect person to lead the amazing PLA staff in their efforts to connect, strengthen, and represent our public lands community.”
The PLA Board of Directors appointed a special committee to direct the national search for a permanent President and CEO. 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. The committee will retain an executive search firm to collaborate with them and McMullan.
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