NEW YORK, August 18, 2020 - The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation today announced the appointment, following a nationwide search, of Margaret Waldock as executive director of Duke Farms, a 2,740-acre center for environmental stewardship that enhances the environmental health of the region and nation. Waldock is an impactful environmentalist and conservation leader, bringing to Duke Farms more than 20 years of mission-driven experience in the non-profit, government and philanthropic sectors. With a background in biology and a degree in environmental law from the Vermont Law School, Waldock has been serving as the director of the Environment Program at the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation since 2011, where she oversaw an annual grant portfolio aimed at protecting and stewarding critical watersheds, improving environmental public policy, and supporting community-driven sustainability. Previously she was Executive Director of the Hunterdon Land Trust for eight years and also worked at the Trust for Public Land, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the American Farmland Trust.
“We are excited to welcome Margaret Waldock to Duke Farms and eager to see it continue to flourish in its mission under her leadership,” said Ed Henry, president and CEO of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. “Margaret has long been committed to the fostering of environmental stewardship through community engagement as well as land conservation and adaptation. Her strong understanding of the urgency of the climate crisis, her commitment to inclusion and racial justice, and her deep history in working with partners throughout New Jersey perfectly position her to propel Duke Farms into the future as a significant and relevant model for environmental stewardship, sustainability and conservation.”
“I am thrilled and honored to join the experienced and dedicated staff at Duke Farms as we continue to expand the environmental commitment of Doris Duke,” said Waldock. “Duke Farms is an extraordinary opportunity to engage the public and the professional environmental community in developing and implementing solutions for a sustainable, inclusive and resilient future.”
Beginning in late September 2020, Waldock will lead Duke Farms in evolving its strategies to pursue stewardship and sustainability practices, research, inclusive programming and educational activities, and regional and national partnerships to elevate the effectiveness and reach of the organization.