The Outdoor Foundation (OF) announced that Stephanie Maez, a longtime policy advocate, nonprofit executive and former state legislator from New Mexico (House District 21), has been named its managing director effective October 20, 2020.
Maez currently serves as the senior fellow for race and diversity at the Topos Partnership where she supports the policy, advocacy and research efforts of foundations and civic organizations in the U.S.
In her role with the OF, Maez will facilitate the organization’s development, communications and grant programs. She will also be responsible for OF’s research projects, issue briefings, community engagement, and grants administration reporting to OF’s board chair and OIA executive director.
“I am looking forward to working closely with Stephanie to expand the Foundation’s reach and impact in neighborhoods, towns and cities across the country so that more kids and families experience the fun, joy, wonder, and healing benefits of the outdoors,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of OIA. “Together, we hope to increase the Foundation’s programs from 4 to 16 cities over the next few years.”
“Joining the Outdoor Foundation in this leadership role is an honor. The Foundation, in partnership with communities across the country, is innovating the way we connect underrepresented children and families to the outdoors. I am eager to contribute to these efforts, helping to bring the Foundation to the next level and growing the number of Thrive cities we serve,” said Metz.
In recent years, Maez served as the executive director for ProgressNow New Mexico and ProgressNow New Mexico Education Fund. Prior to that, she served as CEO at the Center for Civic Policy in Albuquerque, NM.
Photo courtesy OF
