(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) has named Josh Kurtz as its new Maryland Executive Director. Kurtz joins CBF after serving as the policy and government relations director for The Nature Conservancy in Maryland. Kurtz previously led advocacy campaigns at the Maryland General Assembly and the D.C. City Council to generate support for environmental conservation and policies to reduce climate change.
In his new role, Kurtz will lead CBF staff in Annapolis and Easton as they work on policies and legislation aimed at helping Maryland reach its 2025 Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint pollution reduction goals. This includes efforts to plant more trees, conserve forested land, help farmers make environmental improvements, green cities, and ensure the state maintains sustainable fisheries. Kurtz will also oversee the Maryland office's work to add millions more oysters to the Bay and promote regenerative agriculture throughout the state with tree plantings and farm restoration projects.
"It's my pleasure to welcome Josh to CBF and our Maryland team," said Alison Prost, CBF Vice President for Environmental Protection and Restoration. "He brings with him broad experience addressing Chesapeake Bay pollution issues in Maryland at the state and local levels. His work will focus on engaging the community, educating decision-makers, and strengthening the state's environmental policy and regulations."
Kurtz, a Crownsville resident, worked at The Nature Conservancy from 2013 until joining CBF this month. He has a master's degree in public policy from George Mason University and a bachelor's degree in wildlife conservation from the University of Delaware. Kurtz will fill Prost's previous position after she was promoted to oversee CBF's watershed-wide environmental protection and restoration efforts.
"Maryland is working hard to meet the state's 2025 Chesapeake Bay cleanup goals and these next four years will be key to ensuring the progress we've made so far becomes permanent," said Kurtz. "We need to protect forested land, plant trees, minimize stormwater runoff in cities and towns, and ensure farmers continue to reduce polluted runoff flowing off agricultural land. I'm honored to have the opportunity to join CBF's Maryland team in this important work."
