Friends of Cedar Mesa Executive Director to step down this spring

Josh Ewing, the longtime Executive Director of Friends of Cedar Mesa (FCM), plans to step out of day-to-day operations of the organization in the spring of 2021.

Friends of Cedar Mesa is a conservation-focused, non-profit organization based in Bluff. According to the organization mission statement, “Friends of Cedar Mesa works to protect and build respect for the cultural and natural landscapes of the greater Bears Ears region.”

The organization has grown tremendously since it was founded in 2010 by Mark Meloy, a former employee of the Bureau of Land Management.

Ewing took over as Executive Director in 2013. Under his leadership, FCM has grown from a staff of one person to a team of ten full-time staff members.

“With Josh’s help and leadership, FCM has accomplished results many wouldn’t have thought possible,” said Vaughn Hadenfeldt, the FCM Board President. “Building, running, and managing a small nonprofit is no easy task, and we’re grateful for Josh’s tireless hard work, big ideas, and strategic vision.

“We know Josh remains committed to the protection of the public lands in southeast Utah and look forward to working with him to ensure FCM continues to build its positive, on-the-ground impact.”

FCM states that Ewing was influential in early discussions for protecting Bears Ears and has long been a supporter of Tribal efforts to preserve sacred ancestral lands.

He spearheaded the creation of the Bears Ears Education Center in Bluff – a first-of-its-kind project for a grassroots Friends group – after the designation of Bears Ears National Monument.

“I’ve put in a good shift on behalf of a place I believe to be one of the world’s most important and unique cultural landscapes,” said Ewing.

“While I will continue to do what I can to protect this place that is so close to my heart, I also know it’s time to bring new energy and insight to the day-to-day management of our organization.”

Hadenfeldt added, “FCM looks forward to maintaining and enhancing its role in advocacy, education, field projects, and collaboration with Tribal leaders, supporters, partners, and other stakeholders.”

FCM’s Board has launched a search for an Executive Director. Details of the application process will be announced soon.