Geneva Lake Conservancy Appoints Ashley Hatley Caruso Executive Director

Ashley Hatley Caruso. Photo courtesy of the Geneva Lake Conservancy.

FONTANA, WI — The Geneva Lake Conservancy (GLC) today announced the appointment of Ashley Hatley Caruso as its next executive director, effective May 11.

Hatley Caruso joins GLC from Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast, Inc. (GSWISE), where she served as Chief Operating Officer, bringing a proven record of operational leadership to one of Wisconsin’s most respected land and water conservation nonprofits.

“Ashley stood out immediately as a leader of rare depth — someone who combines strategic clarity with genuine passion for the communities she serves,” said Don Parker, GLC Board Chair. “Her appointment signals our commitment to being both stronger storytellers and more effective stewards of the landscape and communities we care about — now and for the future.”

Hatley Caruso follows Karen Yancey, whose nine-year tenure as executive director expanded GLC’s protected acreage from approximately 1,910 to nearly 4,000 acres, grew directly-owned land from 16 to nearly 400 acres, opened six public nature preserves, and earned the organization national accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

At GSWISE, Hatley Caruso led the Community Outreach model — expanding programming across seven counties and driving girl membership and kindergarten participation to a nationally leading position. She championed workforce development for hundreds of staff and more than 1,000 troop leaders, with a focus on mental health and trauma-informed programming, contributing to GSWISE’s recognition as a ‘Best Place to Work’ in southeast Wisconsin. She was also named a 2026 Wisconsin Titan 100 honoree.

Hatley Caruso brings direct familiarity with the Geneva Lake region, as the second executive director of the Black Point Estate and overseen camp and outdoor programming on a 700+ acre portfolio in East Troy.

“I am deeply honored to join the Geneva Lake Conservancy and to help steward one of the most beautiful and ecologically significant landscapes in the Midwest,” said Hatley Caruso. “Protecting our natural resources is more than a career path for me — it’s been a lifelong calling. Transitioning from Girl Scouts to the Geneva Lake Conservancy is the natural evolution of that commitment. For me, making the world a better place has never been just an abstract goal; it is a personal necessity requiring bold action. I am honored to join this dedicated Board and staff in leading the Conservancy’s mission, ensuring the next generation inherits a vibrant, resilient, and protected natural world.”

Since 1977, GLC has protected the glacial lakes, forests, wetlands, working farmlands, and scenic corridors of Walworth County. Today the organization protects 3,745 acres through conservation easements, land ownership, and partnerships. Its six public nature preserves and community programs — including Conservation@Home and Keep It Blue — engage residents and visitors year-round. GLC was named the 2020 Land Trust of the Year by Gathering Waters Wisconsin. For more information, visit genevalakeconservancy.org.

2026 Geneva Lake Conservancy Events

• May 31 | Setting Sail To Keep It Blue — Sunset soirée aboard the Lady of the Lake
• June 1–30 | Step Up To Keep It Blue — Month-long walk along the Geneva Lake shore path
• July 23 | Donor Appreciation Party — Lakeside at the Greco Family Estate
• September 10 | Farm-to-Table Annual Dinner at Grassway Organics
• December 5 | Holly Ball — Holiday gala with dinner, dancing, and silent auction

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.