Pathfinders is excited to welcome Anna Bruen into her new role as Executive Director.
Bruen has worked at Pathfinders since 2014, first as a Watershed Coordinator and then Environmental Planner. During her time at Pathfinders she has successfully written and managed multiple grants, facilitated strategic planning, and worked collaboratively with area partners to help move diverse community initiatives forward, such as watershed protection, housing development, solar energy production, and local foods production.
“I am honored and excited to serve as Pathfinders’ Executive Director. Pathfinders is a unique organization that serves both urban centers and rural populations in Southeast Iowa. I look forward to continuing Pathfinders’ excellent track record of collaborating with area residents on effective natural resource conservation and development for the benefit of the communities in our region.”
The board of directors unanimously chose Bruen to succeed outgoing executive director Detra Dettman after a regional search and selection process. Dettmann, who had been affiliated with Pathfinders for 11 years, 5 as the Executive Director, stepped down to work on community development as the Executive Director at the Fairfield Area of Commerce.
Bruen officially assumed duties at the end of August. She has a Masters of Science from Iowa State University in Community and Regional Planning/Sustainable Agriculture.