Commissioner Cherie Kearney was officially appointed on Dec. 5 to serve on the state’s Conservation Commission
On Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, Cherie Kearney was appointed to the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) to serve as the second governor-appointed commissioner on the 10-member board.
Commissioner Kearney will replace former Commissioner Sarah Speath, who stepped down from the commission earlier this fall.
Commissioner Kearney is a graduate of Washington Ag/Forestry Leadership and served in the Peace Corps in central Africa. She also holds a master’s degree in public administration and a B.A. in psychology and religion.
“I care deeply about the diverse and productive natural resources of Washington state, "Commissioner Kearney said. “I look forward to learning and contributing my knowledge and passion to the Conservation Commission."
As one of the first employees at the Columbia Land Trust, Kearney has been a conservation leader for over 25 years and currently serves as Forest Conservation Director. Kearney helped grow the trust to serve 250 miles of the lower Columbia River in Oregon and Washington.
“I know that Commissioner Kearney will bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to the position. She has immense experience in this area from her work with the Columbia Land Trust,” said SCC’s Executive Director Chris Pettit. “She will be an invaluable member of the Commission and I look forward to working with her.”
Commissioner Kearney helped grow the Columbia Land Trust through her passion for natural resources and the communities who rely on them. She forges collaborations through policy, financial strategies, and access to funding.
She shares community and home in Washougal with her husband, granddaughter, pets, and recurring foster kittens. Commissioner Kearney is also a runner, boater, hiker, sailor and all-around adventurer.