Joy Casnovsky joins WCCD
The Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) is pleased to announce that Joy Casnovsky joined the organization as its new Executive Director on August 24, 2026.
Joy relocated to Washtenaw County from Austin, Texas, to be closer to family, bringing more than 20 years of public sector experience to WCCD, including service as a national park ranger, nonprofit leader, and city council member.
Most recently, Joy served as Chief Mission Officer at Austin Parks Foundation (APF), where she guided the strategy and implementation of APF's programs and advocacy efforts. Under her leadership, APF garnered an additional $4 million for the City of Austin's Parks Department budget and celebrated the 20th anniversary of It's My Park Day, a twice-yearly volunteer event that improves hundreds of parks across the city with the help of thousands of volunteers.
Joy's professional journey also includes a progressive career with Sustainable Food Center, where she advanced from Program Coordinator to Deputy Director. As Deputy Director, she oversaw three core programs supporting a more just food system by working directly with farmers and consumers, and shortly after helping launch the organization's new 2035 vision, she secured the largest investment in its history — $750,000 — from a prominent foundation.
Joy holds a Master of Public Affairs degree from the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs and is bilingual in Spanish. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and camping with her family and gardening with native plants.
WCCD's Board of Directors thanks the community, partners, and funders who have supported the organization through this leadership transition, and looks forward to the work ahead under Joy's leadership.