Scott J. Cope

Chief Program Officer

Wildlands Conservancy is pleased to announce that Scott J. Cope of Whitehall has accepted the position of chief program officer effective December 10, 2007.

As chief program officer, Cope will be responsible for managing the organization’s four program disciplines; land, rivers, recreation and trails, and education. “Because of Wildlands Conservancy’s vision as it relates to Pennsylvania conservation, Scott as chief program officer will be responsible for not only oversight of these four major program areas but will be working in concert with the organization’s strategic objectives,” says Christopher Kocher, president. “I am pleased to add someone of Scott’s caliber to the Wildlands team. His expertise will help Wildlands Conservancy reach its conservation goals.”

Cope has been employed by government entities for most of his 25+-year career, most recently with the Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as assistant to the bureau director. He entered the agency as a park and recreation advisor and managed development grant projects averaging $5-6million annually; the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails program ($1-1.5 million annually) and the Snowmobile /ATV grants program (approximately $1.5 million annually). He was promoted to chief of the Planning Projects Section and responsible for more than $6.5 million in grants involving municipalities, non-profit organizations and private enterprises.

Prior to his Harrisburg position, Cope was the bureau chief of recreation for Whitehall Township where he is most notably known for the creation of the Ironton Rail-Trail and overseeing the township’s 28 public recreation and park sites and special events.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to return home and help conserve the many wonderful resources of the Lehigh River,” Cope said. “As a youngster growing up, I spent many hours in and along the Lehigh River. Looking back, I realize what impact it had on my professional and personal choices and now I can return the favor so future generations can have similar positive experiences. In today’s times, it is essential that we connect to the outdoors.”

Born and raised in Allentown, Cope graduated from Slippery Rock State College with a bachelor’s degree in recreation and emphasis in natural resource management. He is married to Karen and has two sons, Bryan and Randy.