Anne Lowe Named Oxbow’s Executive Director
Following a comprehensive national search, Oxbow is proud to welcome our new Executive Director, Anne Lowe, who joined the organization full-time as of January 1.
Anne is a nationally recognized land and water conservation leader with more than 27 years of experience advancing conservation initiatives, public policy, and collaborative partnerships in nonprofit and local government roles across the U.S. Her proven track record of building mission-driven strategies, cultivating diverse and durable partnerships, and growing and diversifying financial resources caught the eye of Oxbow’s executive search committee.
“With her deep background in environmental stewardship and nonprofit management, Anne is well positioned to lead Oxbow into its next chapter,” said Judi Beck, President of Oxbow’s Board of Trustees. “She has the skills and expertise to expand Oxbow’s reach, deepen partnerships, and align programs with long-term goals. We are delighted to have her at the helm.”
Anne’s arrival aligns with a critical period of growth in Oxbow’s community impact. 2025 marked the start of an exciting new strategic approach to the organization’s work. Oxbow refined its priorities to focus on core programming, from native plants and agriculture to education and public engagement—and has seen incredible results.
Over the past year, the Native Plant Nursery grew and distributed more than 23,000 native plants representing 150+ species, helping restore biodiversity across the region. After deciding last winter to begin donating all Oxbow produce to food security partners, the farm harvested more than 50,000 pounds of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables for neighbors in need. And Oxbow welcomed upwards of 8,000 people for events and education programming, from school field trips to public workshops and plant sales.
“Oxbow’s commitment to land conservation, sustainable agriculture, native plants, and environmental education reflects the same values that have guided my career,” Anne said. “I am honored to become its next Executive Director and look forward to working with the staff, board, and community to advance this important mission.”
Previously, Anne served as President & CEO of a national nonprofit dedicated to preserving endangered archaeological and cultural heritage sites, executive director of the Shasta Land Trust in northern California, and held leadership roles at the Open Space and Trails division for the Town of Breckenridge, Colorado, Minnesota Land Trust, and Western Reserve Land Conservancy in Ohio. In addition to extensive board service with conservation nonprofits, Anne has served as a subject matter expert with the Land Trust Alliance and as a commissioner with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. She currently resides in Carnation with her husband and golden retriever, where she enjoys exploring the outdoors and photographing wildlife.
As Oxbow welcomes Anne, we also want to express our sincere gratitude to outgoing Interim Executive Director Caitlin Pontrella, who guided the organization with a steady hand over the past 18 months. Many thanks to Caitlin for her unflappable leadership and dedication.