The Lemur Conservation Foundation (LCF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of Madagascar’s primates, has selected Deborah Robbins Millman as its new executive director. Millman, who was chosen after a two-month search in consultation with Relevant Strategies and Solutions, LLC, succeeds previous executive director Dr. Alison Grand, who left the organization in July, and LCF trustee Charlene Wolff, who served as interim director.

Millman joins LCF with more than 20 years of for-profit and nonprofit experience in management, strategic development and animal advocacy, including more than a decade in Sarasota County. Since 2012, she has worked for the Humane Society of the United States, serving as director of operations at HSUS’ South Florida Wildlife Center in Fort Lauderdale and as director of Cape Wildlife Center on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She has a master’s degree in political management George Washington University and is accredited in public relations.

The Lemur Conservation Foundation was founded in 1996 by conservationist and artist Penelope Bodry-Sanders. Its reserve in Myakka City serves as a private conservation breeding facility and site for visiting scientists and students studying lemur behavior. It is also home to the Anne and Walter Bladstrom Library which houses the organization’s book and art collection. Through a field office in Madagascar, LCF works to protect critical lemur habitat through reforestation, community development, eco-tourism and education programs.