Conservation Florida adds two new members to expanding team

From L to R: Alex Young, Frances Nevill

Conservation Florida grows External Affairs, Communications, and Fundraising team to drive messages and expand partnerships for land conservation

Tallahassee, Fla. (June 19, 2023) - Conservation Florida, a leader in statewide land conservation, welcomes Frances Nevill, Director of External Affairs and Strategic Communications, and Alex Young, Philanthropy Associate, to aid in the organization's mission to save wild and working lands throughout the state of Florida. The group is focusing on conserving the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Most recently in the education policy and government affairs space, Frances Nevill returns to conservation having also spent time as the statewide manager for public relations for The Nature Conservancy. She will lead Conservation Florida's statewide messaging strategy. Alex Young, having served as an aide in the Florida Senate and the Office of the Governor, will expand and strengthen donor and corporate relationships across the state.

"Conservation Florida's work continues to grow and with this growth, I'm excited to have two new professionals with diverse backgrounds encompassing both the public and private sectors contribute to sharing our work and expanding land protection in Florida," said Traci Deen, President and CEO of Conservation Florida.

Frances Nevill, a 5th generation Floridian is an external affairs and communications leader with a proven record of driving positive change for Florida’s communities over the past two decades. She has developed strategic partnerships with a diverse network of decision-makers to shape public policy and future legislation for the good of conservations, education and business.

 "With over a thousand people moving to Florida everyday, coupled with landmark funding for conservation, it's imperative that we share Conservation Florida's work with wider audiences and energize people to get involved with protecting Florida," said Nevill.

Through her previous roles with Teach For America, FloridaMakes, The Nature Conservancy, Florida House and Senate, and the Florida Department of Commerce, Frances also has been instrumental in advancing long-term economic development and environmental conversation initiatives.  

Based in Orlando, FL, Frances is a graduate of Orlando Economic Partnership’s Central Florida Political Leadership Institute, Leadership Orlando, and Leadership Miami.   

Frances earned her Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Converse University, SC, and her Bachelor’s from Florida State University. 

Alex Young is a 7th generation Floridian who has always had a deep love for the outdoors. She was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, and moved to Tallahassee after graduating from Clemson University with a degree in Agribusiness. Alex spent her first few years of her post-grad career in the world of Florida Politics, working under the Governor's administration, as well as in the Florida Senate. After three years of working in the political field, Alex decided that she was ready to move back into the realm of what she loved - the environment - and she is very passionate about her contribution to the efforts of protecting Florida’s resources and environment for generations to come.

In Alex’s free time, she enjoys working in her garden, playing with her two dogs, Scarlett and Frank, fishing, hunting, being on the water, and tending to her backyard chickens.

"Growing up in Florida, I have experienced the wildness and true raw beauty of the state. I could not be more excited for the opportunity to combine my love of the outdoors with my passion for conservation and spreading awareness to others in this role," said Alex. "Working alongside a team of people who share the same hopes and aspirations for the future of the state is a true privilege and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store."

Make a donation to Conservation Florida today to welcome Frances and Alex to the team!

About Conservation Florida

Conservation Florida is a statewide accredited land conservancy working to conserve Florida’s water, wildlife, wild places, and protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Our conservation projects support Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, wildlife corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy, and nature-based recreation. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has prioritized strategic and evidence-based land protection and has saved over 30,000 acres of critical habitat.