LOS ANGELES – After 25 years of extraordinary service to the LA Conservation Corps, including more than a decade as Chief Executive Officer, Wendy Butts has announced her decision to step away from the CEO role. The transition marks both a personal milestone and a significant moment of opportunity for the organization. As the Corps celebrates its 40th Anniversary, it also prepares to welcome a new era of leadership. This transition will honor the organization's history while guiding it toward an even more impactful future.

Wendy has been a driving force behind the Corps’ growth, impact, and resilience. Her leadership helped expand programs, strengthen engagement in underserved communities, and support thousands of young Angelenos in building purpose, opportunity, and pride in service. Her journey, from instructor to CEO, and her legacy reflect resilience, vision, and a deep commitment to the Corps’ mission and people.

“The Corps has been my home, my teacher, and my inspiration for more than two decades,” said Wendy Butts, CEO. “What makes the Corps extraordinary is not just the scale of our programs, but the transformation we see in our young people and in ourselves. I step away with gratitude, confidence in the team, and hope for all that’s ahead. The Corps’ next chapter will be as bold and meaningful as the last.”

To ensure a smooth and well-supported transition, the Board of Directors has launched a formal CEO search process. The process is being led by a Search Committee and a Transition Committee made up of Board members and Executive Management Team representatives. The Corps has engaged The Hawkins Company, a nationally respected executive search firm recognized for its commitment to equity-focused leadership and its strong ties to the Los Angeles civic and nonprofit community.

“Wendy has led with courage, care, and conviction,” said Dawn Wilson, Board Chair. “She has set the standard for values-driven leadership and leaves the Corps positioned for continued strength. We are committed to honoring her legacy by engaging our community and finding the right next leader to build on the foundation she helped create.”

Wendy will remain fully engaged throughout the transition and will play a key role in facilitating a seamless handoff. Her efforts will include developing an onboarding plan and knowledge-sharing resources for the incoming CEO. Her dedication to the Corps, its mission, and its people remains unwavering.

The organization moves forward with confidence in the strength of its team and a clear vision for the future. As the LA Conservation Corps enters its fifth decade, the foundation laid over the past 40 years offers strong momentum for continued impact.

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About the LA Conservation Corps:
Since 1986, the LA Conservation Corps has been a leading nonprofit workforce development organization, providing paid work experience, job training, and education to young people through environmental and community service projects. Each year, the Corps engages more than 500 youth and young adults across Los Angeles, helping them gain valuable skills while improving public spaces, restoring natural habitats, conserving resources, and building climate resilience in underserved communities.

With a mission to transform lives and landscapes, the Corps operates with a deep commitment to equity, opportunity, and sustainability. Its holistic approach integrates career pathways, academic support, and leadership development, ensuring young Angelenos not only build brighter futures for themselves but also contribute meaningfully to the health and vitality of the region.

For more information, visit www.lacorps.org.