Pottawattamie County Conservation Welcomes New Executive Director, Jeff Franco

Council Bluffs, IA- The Pottawattamie County Conservation Board is proud to announce that Jeff Franco, former Deputy Director of Pottawattamie County Conservation, will lead the organization as Executive Director effective July 1, 2024.

In his new role, Franco will lead the department and operations at Mt. Crescent Ski Area, including the implementation of the park’s master plan to expand four-season recreational opportunities, which will be released later this year.

“We are confident that his knowledge, experience and leadership will lead this team through even more exciting changes as we work to fulfill our mission of providing meaningful opportunities for all ages to engage with our unique and beautiful natural resources,” said Eric Hough, chairman of the Pottawattamie County Conservation Board.

Franco joined Pottawattamie County Conservation in 2011 as an intern in the Natural Areas Management Division and returned in 2016 as an operations supervisor. He has served as the organization’s deputy director since 2021. During his time with the division, Franco has secured major grant funding for park renovation projects, overseen day-to-day operations, managed citizen science projects, and led improvement efforts at Mt. Crescent Ski Area after the county began managing the property in July 2022.

More recently, Franco helped the organization build the sustainably designed, locally manufactured Heartwood Pavilion at the Hitchcock Nature Center and served as project manager for the installation of a new, state-of-the-art snowmaking system that will support Mt. Crescent’s skiing, snowboarding and sledding activities in marginal winter temperatures.

The search for a new executive director was sparked in March when Mark Shoemaker announced his retirement from the department after 30 years of service. Shoemaker had served as executive director since 1997 and will celebrate his last day as executive director on August 30, 2024.

“It is a privilege to follow in Mark Shoemaker’s footsteps as he has done so much for conservation and tourism in our area, and I can only hope to continue the good work he has done throughout his career,” said Franco. “Fortunately, we have some of the most talented, dedicated and hardworking conservation staff in the world, and it is humbling to know that I will continue to work with them in this capacity.”

About Pottawattamie Conservation: Pottawattamie Conservation promotes an appreciation for Iowa’s unique natural areas through year-round environmental education programs, natural resource management, habitat restoration, and a variety of recreational activities in six county parks. Whether you enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, or just learning something new, Pottawattamie Conservation offers exceptional opportunities to experience and explore the great outdoors. Visit pottconservation.com.