Scottsdale's search for a new steward to oversee the vast expanse of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve has culminated with the appointment of Jenna Kohl, as reported by the city's official news announcement. Kohl, who brings to the table over 25 years of leadership experience in a myriad of community-centric roles, will step into her new role as preserve director on September 22.
She comes to the city fresh off her stint as executive director of DC Ranch, where she led the charge in executing substantial capital improvements, bolstering sustainability initiatives and meticulously navigating the intricacies of operational matters; these feats she accomplished in concert with various boards and multifunctional teams, Kohl's prior engagements include honing her leadership skills as the community executive officer for the master-planned community of Anthem, which houses some 26,000 occupants, there she managed an array of operations from environmental programs to large scale capital projects including emergency response planning.
Her appointment has drawn commendation from city officials, with Nick Molinari, Scottsdale's senior director of parks & recreation and preserve, remarking, "Jenna's deep experience in local government and community leadership, paired with her personal passion for the Sonoran Desert, make her an ideal fit for this important role," as stated in the official press release. Scottsdale City Manager Greg Caton shared similar sentiments, conveying his confidence in Kohl when he announced, "The preserve is one of Scottsdale’s most treasured community assets, and Jenna’s leadership will ensure we continue to protect, manage and enhance it with the care it deserves. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team."
Armed with a Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Drake University, Kohl is not only academically equipped for the task at hand but also personally invested as a Scottsdale resident and outdoor enthusiast; her free time is often spent navigating the trails she will soon be entrusted to protect Kohl's role will encompass oversight of nearly 30,000 acres of pristine desert landscape, safeguarding the natural habitat and ensuring the public continues to enjoy access to over 225 miles of trails for hiking, biking, equestrian activities and educational purposes.
The city's McDowell Sonoran Preserve, acknowledged as a permanent fixture of Scottsdale's natural heritage, thus enters a new chapter of stewardship under Kohl's leadership––a move the city believes will carry forth the preserve's legacy of environmental preservation and community engagement.
