Zimmerman resigns from RCCB
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After 12 years, Kate Zimmerman says goodbye to Ringgold County Conservation.
The Conservation Department has seen incredible success with Executive Director Zimmerman’s passion and leadership despite the many challenges the department faced. Zimmerman raised over one million dollars in grants and donations throughout her tenure, ensuring the fast-paced growth and development of the Conservation Department and enhancement of the educational and recreational assets available to the community and beyond.
In the past decade, the Conservation department has seen many improvements and additions under Zimmerman’s direction. Some of these highlights include the establishment of environmental education programming, 1940’s caboose restoration, trail improvements, campground and park upgrades, habitat restoration, online reservation system, the Dragoon Trace Nature Center and the Liberty Lake Development Project.
“Many projects hold a special place in my heart, like the Dragoon Trace Nature Center and will be remembered as a career legacy for me as I move on to my next big adventure to increase my impact on conservation and philanthropy,” said Zimmerman. “As I reflect on my time spent with Ringgold County Conservation, I must mention the incredible group that has been with me since the beginning. Conservation Board members Randy Bishop, Doug Frost, Jim Norris and Dale Walkup recruited me all those years ago to bring new and exciting opportunities to our small county. They continue to be the most dedicated and determined community leaders I have ever had the pleasure to work with.”
Despite Ringgold County Conservation’s lack of staff and having one of the smallest budgets throughout the state, Zimmerman found creative and innovative ways to make small and large projects a reality.
Zimmerman credited the unbelievable community support of the Conservation Department made all the impossible dreams possible.
Volunteers helped keep the department going with only one full-time employee (Zimmerman herself) and financial donors made matching grant funding not only a possibility, but a success.
“This community raised the bar each time the need was asked of it, helping to bring in over a million dollars of grants and donations that went back into the community,” said Zimmerman. “Those grants helped to increase tourism, improve economic development, provide access for health and wellness, grow recreational opportunities and improve the quality of life for all who live here.”
Zimmerman mentioned it was a bittersweet moment to say goodbye, but is excited for the future.
“It is a bittersweet moment as I prepare to leave Ringgold County Conservation,” said Zimmerman, “But I know that the amazing foundation that I have paved in environmental education and outdoor recreation will be here for generations to come.”
