Betsy Maher is the Executive Director of Save the Dunes, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the Indiana Dunes and surrounding natural areas along Lake Michigan. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit management, Maher is skilled in areas such as volunteer management, human resources, fundraising, and special events. She holds a master’s degree in public administration and a senior certification in human resources.
Maher is passionate about the outdoors and environmental conservation, spending much of her free time with her family on the shores of Lake Michigan and visiting national parks. She is also a wife and mother of two boys.
Maher became interested in conservation after being inspired by an environmental communications course. She grew close to her professor, who urged her to pursue internships with environmental nonprofits. She quickly realized her passion for the field. Maher sought to learn the business side of running nonprofits.
“I was always fascinated by the business side of things, and I wanted to know how to run a nonprofit successfully,” Maher said. “I wanted to work with an environmental nonprofit hoping to one day become an executive director or CEO. It has been so validating being involved with this type of work; I find it so fulfilling every single day.”
Her goal was to lead an environmental nonprofit, so when the executive director position at Save the Dunes opened up, she saw it as the perfect fit. She finds the work incredibly fulfilling and enjoys using her background to strive for the organization’s success. Maher is especially passionate about building a community around a shared cause and encouraging others to contribute.
Maher’s connection to the Dunes began in childhood, visiting the beaches with her family and later, as a high schooler, regularly exploring the area with friends. One of her fondest memories is taking friends on a hike at West Beach, introducing them to the beauty of the Dunes.
Maher envisions Save the Dunes continuing its success by deepening its impact in conservation, advocacy, and community engagement over the next five to 10 years. Post-COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has strengthened partnerships with the Indiana Dunes National Park, securing federal funding and managing various projects. Recent accomplishments include raising $52,000 for the Barker House renovations, enabling 315 acres of restoration through collaborative grants, and securing $285,000 in federal funding.
Currently, Save the Dunes has eight active conservation projects with the National Park, with a focus on expanding these efforts in the future, especially under the leadership of the new park superintendent who shares a strong natural resource background. Maher is optimistic about the future of resource management and conservation in the region.
In the past two years, Save the Dunes has reconnected with its advocacy roots originally established by its founders, Dorothy Buell and Charlotte Read, who played crucial roles in creating the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
“The founding story of Save the Dunes began with advocacy, so we're constantly trying to live up to the incredible work of our founders like Dorothy Buell and Charlotte Read,” Maher said. “They were ordinary citizens who saw the importance of this place and advocated with their representatives, successfully passing a bill to create the National Park.”
Maher discussed the importance of infrastructure investments to prevent environmental disasters and highlighted recent progress, such as Cleveland Cliffs' new ammonia cyanide treatment facility. This facility was built following a major pollution event, which provides an example of how holding businesses accountable leaves an impact.
Maher is optimistic now that there is increased industry willingness to engage in conversations about both regulation and conservation. US Steel offered to supply funding for a wetland restoration project after a federal grant fell through. Industry partners are willingly stepping up to support conservation efforts.
Maher is excited about several upcoming projects at Save the Dunes, particularly a plastic reduction initiative in collaboration with the Indiana Dunes National Park. This project focuses on reducing plastic use by park vendors and educating visitors to minimize waste, addressing plastic pollution in the Great Lakes. Additionally, the organization is working on restoration projects on their properties. To create community engagement, Save the Dunes is expanding programs that teach environmental stewardship and responsible recreation. Recent events, like the Dunes Dash, have seen record participation, reflecting growing community involvement.
Save the Dunes recently completed a successful capital campaign raising over $50,000 to restore its historic landmark building. Renovations included replacing the porch balcony and repairing the siding and dance hall. The restored building sits next to a popular hiking trail through Barker Woods, owned by the Shirley Heinze Land Trust. Save the Dunes is also installing a pollinator garden with educational signage to teach visitors about creating pollinator habitats at home.
Maher’s leadership at Save the Dunes has contributed to great progress in both environmental advocacy and community engagement. During her time with the organization, Save the Dunes has enhanced its conservation efforts and strengthened its partnerships.
Under her guidance, the organization has successfully undertaken various projects. Maher’s ability to balance advocacy with solutions and community involvement has allowed the organization to protect the Indiana Dunes of Lake Michigan.
As Save the Dunes looks to the future, Maher’s leadership will continue to play a key role in advancing the organization’s mission and expanding its impact in the region.To learn more about Maher and Save the Dunes, visit savedunes.org.