The GLC welcomes Joe McHugh as its new Executive Director
	Fontana, WI - January 30, 2009 - Joseph A. McHugh, (39), of Fontana has been selected as Executive Director of the Geneva lake Conservancy, announced Charles Colman, Conservancy Chairman," "We talked with a wide field of applicants," said Colman, "and in the end determined that the best qualified person to lead the Conservancy was right in our own back yard. Not only is Joe highly capable, he is also an established member of the Geneva Lake community. We believe he is the right person, at the right time, to reach out to our constituency; whether it's protecting our natural lands, educating young and old on conservation matters, or advocating for programs and policies that maintain the unique character and quality of life of the many communities here in Southern Walworth County." McHugh commented, "Having grown up on a small farm just south of Walworth, I am very familiar with the area and I carry a personal commitment to preserve and maintain the natural resources that makes the lakes area such an amazing place to live. I trust that my background in local government, real estate, natural resources, project management and business administration will help me serve the community well through the Conservancy."
McHugh comes to the Conservancy from the position of Executive Director of Fontana's Community Development Authority (CDA), where he had served since July 2005. During his tenure with the Village, he was responsible for the planning and administration of several large public infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction and landscaping of State Highway 67, a new Municipal Beach House, a new pedestrian path to the Duck Pond Recreation Area, and several road and utility improvements within the Village's Tax Increment Finance District (TID). Prior to the CDA, Joe was a Land Acquisition Manager for the Chicago Division of Toll Brothers, a national homebuilder, where he negotiated land acquisitions, and managed the planning and zoning for residential subdivisions. He also served as Director of Planning and Zoning for a consulting firm in Delevan, WI, providing land-use and development review services to municipal clients. McHugh currently serves as a board member of the Fontana Joint 8 School board, is a past vice president of the Lake Geneva Junior Chamber of Commerce, serves on the Village of Fontana-on Geneva lake Library Board and is a member of the Fontana Community Church. He holds a Master of Urban Planning degree from UW-Milwaukee and a Bachelor's degree in Recreation Resource Management from Colorado State University. The Geneva Lake Conservancy is a not-for-profit, community and volunteer supported conservation advocacy and land trust organization serving southern Walworth County. It is dedicated to creating common ground, preserving community character and conserving natural resources. The Conservancy is affiliated with the not-for-profit statewide Gathering Waters conservation group, and with the not-for-profit national Land Trust Alliance. Download PDF of Press Release home