Nonprofit’s president points to Smith’s ‘depth of experience in public policy, real estate, land management and strategic partnerships’
Big Waters Land Trust, which is headquartered in Osprey, has named Justin Smith its chief program officer, the nonprofit has announced.
“In this role, Smith is responsible for all programs that advance the organization’s mission to protect the land and water for the benefit of people and nature: land conservation and stewardship, public policy, and community engagement,” a news release explains.
“We are thrilled to have Justin serving in this important leadership role,” said Christine P. Johnson, president of Big Waters Land Trust, in the release. “His depth of experience in public policy, real estate, land management and strategic partnerships will propel us forward in our work protecting critical landscapes, getting people outside and into nature, and advocating for land conservation funding and policy,” Johnson added in the release.
As chief program officer, “Smith will forge new partnerships, quicken the pace of land conservation, coordinate advocacy efforts at all levels of government, and develop new strategies and relationships to protect working lands and natural areas throughout the region,” the release points out.
“With more than 20 years of experience spanning government, nonprofit leadership, and agricultural land management, Smith brings a unique blend of policy expertise and hands-on land experience” to the position, the release adds. “He has led multi-million-dollar negotiations involving public-private partnerships, secured significant grant funding, and developed innovative programs that support conservation while shaping public policy at both the local and state levels,” the release says.
Prior to joining Big Waters Land Trust, Smith served as deputy county administrator of DeSoto County, “where he led strategic initiatives and policy development, the release notes. He also has served as chief operating officer for an economic development organization, the release says. Earlier in his career, it adds, he worked with the Florida Department of Revenue, contributing to statewide property tax policy and helping modernize land valuation systems.
“I am honored to be part of an organization so deeply committed to protecting Florida’s natural resources,” said Smith in the release. “Conservation is both a responsibility and a legacy, and I look forward to working alongside the team to ensure our lands and waters are preserved for future generations,” he added in the release.
Smith holds a Master of Science in natural resources policy and administration, with a specialization in economics, from the University of Florida, the release notes. He also earned an undergraduate degree in organizational management and an associate’s degree in agricultural business, the release continues.
“A licensed Florida Realtor®, he remains actively engaged in agricultural operations, managing his family’s multi-generational farm,” the release says. “A fifth-generation Floridian, Smith has a lifelong connection to the land and is deeply committed to preserving Florida’s working lands, waters, and natural heritage for generations to come,” the release points out.