Recruiting and retaining the best
Two senior leaders reflect on why they joined NCC and what keeps them coming back
New Saskatchewan VP brings passion and perspective
Andrea Laughren has always found inspiration in nature, whether while exploring the vast prairie landscapes near her Saskatoon home or watching hawks glide overhead.
“I’ve always believed that nature plays a critical role in bringing communities together and improving our quality of life,” she says.
She now brings that passion, perspective and 25 years of leadership experience to her new role as vice-president of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Saskatchewan region.
Prior to joining NCC in March 2025, Andrea served as CEO of the Meewasin Valley Authority, a non-profit organization with a mission to protect the cultural and natural heritage of the South Saskatchewan River Valley. Under her leadership, Meewasin enhanced its trail infrastructure, diversified programming, launched a volunteer program and fostered new partnerships.
As a registered Métis with Métis Nation Saskatchewan, Andrea also brings to NCC a strong commitment to reconciliation and building land-based connections. She has held leadership roles in Métis and First Nations-governed post-secondary education and training institutions, and advanced initiatives that strengthened ties between Indigenous communities and the land at Wanuskewin Heritage Park.
“I’m thrilled to join NCC and to work alongside communities, Indigenous partners, ranchers, government and industry leaders to safeguard these incredible prairie landscapes,” Andrea says.
All with one eye to the sky for Saskatchewan’s at-risk ferruginous hawk.
NCC’s conservation VP celebrates a milestone anniversary
Lisa McLaughlin is proof that there are no time limits on nature conservation.
The vice-president of conservation policy and planning recently celebrated her 25th anniversary with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, “an extraordinary milestone,” says President Catherine Grenier, in an organization known for its ability to recruit and retain top staff.
Lisa joined NCC in 1999 as an intern, working her way to the lead conservation role through a range of positions and even longer list of conservation projects. A biologist and rural planner by training, she helped Canada achieve its Target 1 conservation goals of 17 per cent by 2020 and designed an approach and tool to aid in identifying Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs).
Lisa has also been instrumental in giving NCC a voice on the world stage. She is a member of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Nature Advisory Committee, the International Land Conservation Network and the past chair of the Canadian Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
In recognition of her longstanding service to nature and conservation, Lisa was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in February 2025.
“Nature underpins every aspect of life on earth; I’m enormously privileged to have the opportunity to work with staff, volunteers and partners to create a world where people and nature can thrive,” says Lisa.