In this episode of Who Runs This Park, host Maddie Pellman sits down with Deb Yandala, the longtime CEO of the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. With over two decades of leadership, Deb has grown the Conservancy into one of the most impactful national park friends groups in the country—expanding educational programming, launching arts initiatives like the beloved concert series, and forging deep community connections across northeast Ohio.

Deb reflects on her journey from curriculum developer to CEO, the strategic merger that launched the Conservancy, and the importance of board leadership, diversified income streams, and collaborative partnerships. She offers powerful insights on what makes nonprofits thrive, how to get involved in the national park space, and why parks are essential to our mental health and social fabric.

This conversation is both a celebration of Deb’s legacy and a roadmap for aspiring leaders who believe in the healing power of nature and the value of strong community-rooted partnerships. As Deb prepares to step down later this year, her story offers wisdom, inspiration, and a reminder that we are ultimately judged by what we do, not what we plan.

Feeling inspired and want to support Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Donate to the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park here. 

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Who Runs This Park is produced by Maddie Pellman with music by Danielle Bees.