SOUTH PARIS — The McLaughlin Foundation has named Ruth Copeman to the post of executive director. She has been charged with strengthening the organization’s ability to achieve its mission through community outreach and resource acquisition.

Copeman, a nonprofit executive with extensive background in launching, managing and growing nonprofits, will support McLaughlin Garden in its work to build the volunteer program and to bring to life its strategic plan with a new focus on operating the organization as a “cultural center.”

Copeman has a master of science degree in botany. She worked for 10 years with the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Ariz., working her way up to the director of education and has spent the past five years as the executive director of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy in Scottsdale, Ariz. She has served on national committees and has spoken nationally about nonprofit programming.

She most recently led the construction of a fully-accessible nature trail that won the 2010 state of Arizona ADA Project of the Year award for ensuring that everyone in her community had access to the nature preserve the organization managed. She is originally from Pt. Pleasant, N.J.

Those interested in participating in the garden’s new committees should contact Copeman at the garden at 743-8820. Donations are also needed to help the garden continue operating during its down season. On the web: www.mclaughlingarden.org.

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