Advocates for the West is excited to welcome Ben Gordon as the organization’s next executive director. Gordon was selected following a national search launched earlier this year after founding Executive Director Laird Lucas announced his plans to retire from the position in June.
Gordon joins Advocates for the West after serving since 2020 as executive director of Central Oregon LandWatch, an Advocates for the West partner organization. At LandWatch, Ben succeeded the organization’s founding executive director and led strategic efforts to expand the organization’s reach and strengthen its impact to protect public lands and wildlife habitat and to foster thriving, sustainable communities.
“I’m thrilled to join Advocates for the West,” said Gordon. “At a time when public lands, clean air and water, wildlife and communities face mounting threats, the need for effective legal advocacy has never been greater. I’m honored to lead Advocates for the West into its next chapter and build on its legacy of protecting the places and values that define the West.”
Throughout his career, Gordon has demonstrated a deep commitment to conservation and community engagement, bringing experience that will help advance Advocates for the West’s mission in a rapidly changing landscape. He also previously served as program director for the Oregon Natural Desert Association and has worked in outreach and campaign organizing roles for 1000 Friends of Oregon, the Oregon League of Conservation Voters and the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center. Gordon earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Colorado. He lives in Bend, Oregon.
“Ben has shown remarkable leadership and vision throughout his career, and Advocates for the West is absolutely thrilled to welcome him as our new executive director,” said Deborah Clothier, board chair of Advocates for the West. “His experience, commitment to conservation and ability to build strong organizations will help guide Advocates for the West as we build on our accomplishments and continue the critical work of protecting and defending the West.”
Monday, Sept. 14 was Gordon’s first day with Advocates for the West. He begins his tenure at a critical time for the American West. Federal policy changes are creating new challenges for public lands, clean air and water, wildlife and communities, underscoring the need for experienced, effective legal advocacy to ensure environmental laws are enforced and agencies are held accountable.
About Advocates for the West
As free lawyers for the environment, Advocates for the West protects and defends the West’s public lands, water, fish, wildlife and communities. Based in Boise, Idaho and with staff and offices in Oregon, Montana, Colorado and California, the public interest nonprofit environmental law firm empowers conservation organizations, Native American Tribes and environmental advocates through top-notch, strategic legal services.
Founded in 2003, Advocates for the West is a proven winner in the court of law, enforcing bedrock environmental statutes and conservation values. The organization’s mission is to win for the American West—protecting it now, and into the future.