Nomination Statement for Western-at-Large Region Candidate
David Mackaman

I am humbled to be considered as a potential Board Member for Terrafirma. I am sure that you have many fine candidates with unique experiences and talents. I have been asked me to say a few words about mine.

I have a business background in the banking industry spanning more than 30 years where I developed experience in the areas of leadership, community involvement, fund raising, relationship management, strategic planning, financial management, risk assessment/mitigation, critical thinking, and problem solving. As an English Major, I value the importance of communicating clearly both in writing and verbally. I have always lived by the connected mottos of “Do what you say you are going to do; if you’re not going to do something, say so; and, do the right thing” My ethical foundation and my commitment to dependability are essential to how I want to be known, and it is important to me that the world is a better place for my having been in it.

I have served on the Boards of numerous non-profit organizations where I have learned the importance of governance, commitment to mission, and collaboration to achieve outcomes. My 15+ years of engagement in INHF’s Board has been particularly important to me. I have learned a lot about the business of conservation and have helped INHF pursue its mission by contributing the professional and interpersonal skills acquired during my career. These are the same skills that I would bring to Terrafirma’s table. I have been involved with a wide array of non-profit organizations, but I find INHF’s environmental work particularly enjoyable and rewarding. What is more important than protecting and preserving nature for those that will follow? My answer? Nothing.

Why is this so important to me? First, mankind’s subsistence depends upon the planet, the source of our nourishment and life. Second, nothing can touch the human spirit as can nature. But as important to me is the opportunity to positively impact future generations through our acts today. This is personal for me. My grandfather bought an island in Minnesota and built a cabin there on the shores of Cedar Lake. For more than 100 years this place has been a connecting point for my entire family, a magical blend of family and nature. I never met my grandfather, but I think about him often. He created a forward- thinking legacy by building something during his day that has come to positively and importantly impact so many of us belonging to a future generation. I aim to follow in his footsteps which is why I have passion to promote INHF’s mission, and why I am interested in working to support Terrafirma’s work. Terrafirma is an organization with broad national impact on our nation’s wild places, an impact that will benefit those that are here and now, but more importantly those who will follow. I want to help.