PEEC Announces New Executive Director

The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC), operators of the Los Alamos Nature Center, announce the hiring of a new Executive Director to take the place of outgoing director Katherine Bruell. Jillian Rubio comes to PEEC after an extensive career in outdoor education, management, and leadership positions throughout the country. 

Starting in 2012, Rubio served as the Chief Program Officer at NYC Outward Bound Schools, a community organization focusing on students from educationally under-resourced communities. Rubio guided the vision, direction, and programming of the organization, providing transformational outdoor experiences for young people. Additionally, she shared accountability for the strategy, human resources, operations, fundraising, strategic planning, and oversight of the organization. 

Previously, Rubio served as the Director of the Prospect Park Audubon Center; Director of the Volunteer Response for the BP Oil Disaster in the Gulf; Board Member of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE); Arizona State Coordinator for Project Learning Tree (PLT); and President of the Arizona Association for Environmental Education (AAEE). Rubio holds a BS in Natural Resource Management from the University of Arizona and an MPA in Public Policy and Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the NYU Wagner School of Public Service.

Rubio says, “I am so excited to return to the Southwest and am honored for the opportunity to lead the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC). The organization is poised to further develop its vision and build on the tremendous momentum and extraordinary leadership of the past 22 years. I look forward to being a part of the effort to convey the incredible beauty of the Pajarito Plateau to more people by strengthening their connections to our canyons, mesas, mountains, and skies.”

PEEC Board president Elizabeth Allen says, “We are excited to welcome Jillian to PEEC and to Los Alamos, and look forward to all the ways PEEC will grow under her leadership.”

Outgoing director Bruell will be celebrated and thanked at a small, internal gathering before her last day on May 20^th. Rubio has begun working remotely and expects to be in Los Alamos by June 1^st.