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Ryan Brant
Executive Director of the Preservation Foundation, Lake County Forest Preserves · Libertyville, IL
Ryan Brant has joined the Lake County Forest Preserves as Executive Director of the Preservation Foundation, its nonprofit charitable partner. He brings more than 20 years of leadership, fundraising, and business development experience across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors.
In his new role, Brant will lead efforts to expand the public-private partnership and generate philanthropic support for Forest Preserves projects and programs. Established in 2007, the Preservation Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization that raises money from individuals, businesses, and private foundations to support initiatives beyond what taxpayer funding allows.
Brant most recently served as general manager of Cardinal State LLC, a Barrington Hills landscape construction company specializing in ecological restoration, stream and shoreline restoration, and green infrastructure. He helped grow the $10 million company by strengthening financial management and streamlining operations. In previous roles, Brant built lasting relationships with clients and donors in corporate and university settings. Brant earned a master’s degree from St. Ambrose University and a bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista University.
Brant has also been active in community leadership and volunteer service, including serving as vice president of the Perennial Plant Society of Middle Tennessee and as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley and tnAchieves. He has also volunteered as a youth soccer and wrestling coach, supporting student and youth development through athletics, mentorship, and community engagement.