INHF welcomes new staff

By CJ Younger on November 22, 2021 in Blog

INHF is excited to welcome Data Entry Specialist Taryn Samuels and Chief Financial Officer Susan Johnson. Both Samuels and Johnson bring a wealth of experience in their respective fields, a passion for non-profits and Iowa's outdoors. 

Susan Johnson

As CFO, Johnson manages INHF’s finances, providing financial statements, analysis and planning to advance the INHF mission and provide transparency to donors.

“I am thrilled to be a member of the INHF team,” Johnson said. “I am looking forward to learning more about our mission in action and how I can best support all of the dedicated people who do this very important work.”

Johnson grew up in Fort Madison, Iowa, and graduated from Central College with a degree in accounting. Most recently, she worked as CFO for Youth Emergency Services and Shelter in Des Moines, where she learned the intricacies of non-profit financial reporting after previous positions in healthcare finance with Wellmark and both Des Moines hospital systems.

In her free time, Johnson enjoys sewing, reading and attending Iowa State University sporting events.

Taryn Samuels

As INHF's data entry specialist,  Samuels tracks donations and land transactions, maintains donor records and ensures accuracy in documentation for land projects and conservation easements.

"I hope to achieve a lot while I find my niche here among the conservation community,” Samuels said. “Above all, I hope to keep moving our mission forward.”

Samuels grew up in St. Charles, Iowa and Des Moines, and graduated from University of Iowa with a degree in geography and environmental studies. She worked as the director and board trustee liaison for the Nature Conservancy in Iowa for 14 years before coming to INHF.

In her free time, Samuels enjoys being outdoors with her two daughters, walking her dog and gardening both vegetables and native plants.