Megan Olds, associate director of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, has been selected to participate in the 2013 American Express Leadership Academy next month in New York City along with 47 other participants. The national program, created in partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership in 2008, aims to develop the country's "finest emerging leaders who are dedicated and poised to be at the helm of the nonprofit sector."

"Megan possesses natural leadership skills," says Conservancy Executive Director Glen Chown. "She's a visionary person but she also has a very pragmatic, practical sense of what can work, or not. This kind of balance is rare and it's one of the many reasons the staff and Board have the utmost respect for her … We are very proud of her."

Olds joined the Conservancy in 2007 after working for seven years in the regional planning department of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments. She was appointed the Conservancy's first-ever Associate Director in '08. She manages day-to-day operations and directs the organization's fundraising efforts.