Ryan Brant joined the Lake County Forest Preserves as executive director of the Preservation Foundation, its nonprofit charitable partner. He brings more than 20 years of leadership, fundraising and business development experience across the nonprofit, public and private sectors.

In his new role, Brant will lead efforts to expand the public-private partnership and generate philanthropic support for Forest Preserves projects and programs. Established in 2007, the Preservation Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization that raises money from individuals, businesses and private foundations to support initiatives beyond what taxpayer funding allows.

Brant most recently served as general manager of Cardinal State LLC, a Barrington Hills landscape construction company specializing in ecological restoration, stream and shoreline restoration and green infrastructure. He helped grow the $10 million company by strengthening financial management and streamlining operations. In previous roles, Brant built lasting relationships with clients and donors in corporate and university settings.

The Preservation Foundation secures annual grants and program-specific donations while working to complete its first multiyear fundraising campaign by December 2027. Every Acre Strong: The Community Campaign for the Lake County Forest Preserves aims to build a $20 million endowment that will provide permanent funding for the long-term care of Lake County’s forest preserves.

“Ryan is joining the Foundation at a pivotal time,” said Preservation Foundation President Elizabeth Hough. “His experience building relationships will help us complete the campaign, strengthen connections with board members and donors and shape the Foundation’s next chapter.”

“The Forest Preserves and Preservation Foundation have built an innovative public-private partnership over nearly two decades,” Brant said. “As a Lake County resident and frequent trail user, I look forward to strengthening that partnership and expanding philanthropic support for the Forest Preserves.”

Brant earned a master’s degree from St. Ambrose University and a bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista University. He started in his new role Wednesday, August 5.

The Forest Preserves selected Brant following a national search conducted by Kittleman & Associates, a firm specializing in nonprofit executive recruitment. Learn more at KittlemanSearch.com.

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