The Conservation Alliance has hired Conor McElyea as its new membership and development program manager. In his role, Conor is responsible for growing The Conservation Alliance membership in the outdoor and sister industries. He will also lead member retention efforts, cause marketing campaigns and fundraising events at trade shows.

Conor joins The Conservation Alliance after spending more than three years as the product manager at Cairn, where he managed hundreds of brand relationships throughout the outdoor industry. In 2018 he helped Cairn launch its “Gear Up, Give Back” program, a gear recycling service that works to keep product out of the landfill, while generating funds for The Conservation Alliance.

“We are excited to add Conor to our team as we seek to grow our membership, and increase the number of grants we make to conservation organizations,” said John Sterling, executive director of The Conservation Alliance. “From his tenure at Cairn, Conor brings deep relationships with outdoor industry brands, and a strong understanding of how a company can partner with a nonprofit to express its values.”

This addition the staff brings The Conservation Alliance team to four full-time members. Conor succeeds Serena Bishop Gordon, who led membership efforts at The Conservation Alliance for nine years.