Director of Philanthropy Hired to Increase Land Conservation Capabilities

Conservation Florida, a leader in statewide land conservation, hired Sarah Collins as its first director of philanthropy. This is a new position for the organization that will further its statewide strategy to save land that supports Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, conservation corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy and nature-based recreation.

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Collins will combine her professional experience and passion for Florida to lead strategic fundraising initiatives that support the organization’s mission. She hopes to serve a greater purpose and to build meaningful relationships in philanthropic support to protect Florida’s natural beauty for future generations.

“Sarah will now combine her deep love for Florida with her skillset and lead Conservation Florida’s philanthropy team,” said Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s CEO. “She brings a high level of energy, skill, and passion to our team and we are thrilled to have her join us in the mission to save the wild places that we all love.”

Born and raised in Tallahassee, she earned her undergraduate degree in fine arts and master’s in Integrated Marketing and Communication Management from Florida State University. As a graduate and former employee of FSU, Collins is delighted to share her love for the garnet and gold with her family members who reside in the city.

“Bringing more than 10 years of professional experience in fundraising and solicitation strategy from my previous roles with FSU and the Economic Development Council, I’m thrilled to continue serving Florida in this capacity now through Conservation Florida,” said Collins.  

Her family has treasured Florida’s natural wonders for six generations. They enjoy sharing stories and memories about wild Florida spanning the many years of their history in the state.

Growing up, Collins spent countless days exploring the woods and coast of the Big Bend area of Florida. From turkey tracking with her dad and sister to wondering through the Apalachicola National Forest to scalloping and fishing on Live Oak Island — a love for nature is in her blood.

In her new role as Conservation Florida’s director of philanthropy, she is dedicated to showing how giving back, at any level, can instill a lasting impact on our state’s irreplaceable resources. 

“As a nature enthusiast, my hope for the role is to ensure that not only my own children — Fisher, Olivia, and Rory; but, that coming generations can also experience the same beautiful state I grew up in,” said Collins.  

Welcome Sarah Collins by making a donation today!

Help Conservation Florida give her a warm welcome and donate through the link below or contact her via email, sarah@conserveflorida.org.

About Conservation Florida 

Conservation Florida is a statewide accredited land trust with a mission to save Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations. Our conservation projects support Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, conservation corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy and nature-based recreation. Since our founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has led the way in strategic and evidence-based land protection and has saved over 30,000 acres of critical habitat through acquisition, facilitation and incubation of conservation projects.  

We save land by developing conservation strategies, exploring funding sources and purchasing or accepting donations of land and conservation easements. Our other services include providing expertise to guide landowners through the land protection process, serving as a trusted community partner to support statewide land conservation and promoting land conservation through effective education and advocacy. Our vision is large-scale, and we are 100% committed to conservation in the state of Florida – for nature, for people, forever! 

Conservation Florida