Welcome to our new Executive Director!
Ben Wojahn, appointed new Executive Director for Wisconsin Lakes
By Wisconsin Lakes Staff
Ben Wojahn doing what he loves, ricing! Picture Credit: Ben Wojahn
Wisconsin Lakes is proud to announce the hiring of Ben Wojahn (pronounced Woah-yahn) as its next Executive Director!
Ben will take over fully from current Executive Director Michael Engleson starting in October, working a part time training schedule through the rest of the summer.
Ben comes to Wisconsin Lakes with a deep history largely rooted in County Land & Water Conservation Departments. He has served primarily as the County Conservationist for Vernon County, and also has experience in Taylor, Ashland, and Bayfield Counties.
Ben also has been active on the board and integral in the successful redevelopment of Wisconsin Land + Water since 2010. WI Land & Water is a statewide nonprofit organization that serves County Conservation Departments similar to how Wisconsin Lakes serves Wisconsin lake organizations. Ben also served on the Legislative Committee for Wisconsin Land and Water, and has experience testifying in support of conservation initiatives.
“We were excited to see his experience working with farmers and conservation projects, his strong partnerships and experience throughout the state, and most importantly, his passion for the Lakes of Wisconsin” stated Susan Trier, President of Wisconsin Lakes. “Ben’s experience gives voice to Luna Leopold’s insightful observation: ‘Water is the most critical resource issue of our lifetime and our children’s lifetime. The health of our waters is the principal measure of how we live on the land.’”
Rising out of his experience early in his career as an Americorps VISTA Alumni serving the Bad River Reservation on Lake Superior, he became an avid wild rice harvester, a “hobby” (he may describe it as an obsession) he continues to take part in each fall.
Wojahn also has developed knowledge and experience with Nutrient Management Planning, Managed Grazing, Habitat Restoration, GIS mapping, and Watershed Modeling.
Ben resides on his farm between Viroqua and La Crosse Wisconsin where he raises vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. He has three children, with his oldest daughter attending UW-Eau Claire and his younger two in high school.
“I love everything about Wisconsin. I am honored to have the opportunity to develop and strengthen partnerships, to serve the Board, the people, the land, and especially the Lakes of Wisconsin”, Ben enthusiastically expressed.
With his passion for conservation, clean water, and deep connections to Wisconsin, the board of directors is extremely excited to usher in this new era with Ben at the helm of the organization.
Welcome to Wisconsin Lakes, Ben Wojahn!
If you’d like to welcome Ben with a gift donation to Wisconsin Lakes, you can help provide him with the resources necessary to lead Wisconsin Lakes into the future, building a stronger organization advocating for Wisconsin’s lakes and surface waters, and one offering even better support for Wisconsin’s lake organization. Give today, here!
Ben can be reached at bwojahn@wisconsinlakes.org.