Trust for Public Land (TPL) appointed Luis Benitez as chief impact officer, reportedly playing a pivotal role in guiding, advancing and overseeing several key areas of the organization’s work including marketing and communications, federal affairs in Washington D.C., and TPL’s Land and People Lab. TPL said Benitez brings a “wealth of experience in the outdoor and conservation sectors, making him an invaluable addition to TPL’s leadership team and mission to connect everyone to the outdoors.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome an old friend like Luis to Trust for Public Land,” said TPL President Diane Regas. “From his incredible service on TPL’s national board to his deep-rooted passion for conservation, coupled with his impressive track record in marketing and advocacy within the outdoor industry, Luis will be instrumental in advancing our mission to create parks and protect land for people in all communities.”

Since 1972, TPL said it has “connected over nine million Americans to the outdoors, but 100 million people, including 28 million children, still don’t have access to a park within a ten-minute walk of home.”

“Connections to the outdoors are an essential part of improving public health, protecting vulnerable communities from the impacts of the climate crisis, and building strong community cohesion. Benitez’s leadership as chief impact officer will be integral to TPL’s nationwide movement to close the outdoor equity gap by creating parks in communities that need them the most and connecting more to the outdoors,” said the organization.

“I am honored to join Trust for Public Land as their new chief impact officer. This role is a perfect blend of my love for the outdoors, advocacy, and sustainability,” said Benitez.“Together with the TPL team, we will work tirelessly to create parks, preserve land, and foster deeper connections between people and nature and in the process grow community. I’m excited for this incredible journey ahead and excited to tackle the challenge of park access for all.”

VF Corp., parent company of The North Face, appointed Benitez to the newly created position of VP of governmental affairs and global impact and president of the VF Foundation in March 2019. He left the company in March of this year. Before his tenure at VF Corp., Luis made headlines for his commitment to the outdoor community. He championed the establishment of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, becoming its first director and successfully promoting Colorado as a hub for outdoor recreation businesses and activities. Benitez’s work as director of the Colorado Outdoor Industry Recreation Office helped more than double the state’s outdoor economy to $62.5 billion, according to a government report. During his tenure, outdoor recreation wages and salaries increased by 75 percent, and 62 percent of Coloradans reportedly used local parks, open space, or trails one or more times per week.

In other TPL news, Jeff Danter, who previously served as EVP of programs, will assume the role of chief program officer. In this capacity, Danter will provide strategic leadership and oversight for all state directors, TPL’s 10-minute walk campaign, and major initiatives and programming.

“Trust for Public Land is excited to embark on this new chapter with Luis Benitez as chief impact officer and Jeff Danter’s appointment as chief program officer with both appointments and their invaluable expertise furthering our efforts in creating parks, preserving land, and ensuring equitable access for all,” Regas said.

This leadership restructuring is said to “underscore TPL’s commitment to its mission of creating parks and protecting land for people while fostering innovation and excellence in its various programs and initiatives.”

Photo courtesy Trust for Public Land