Hecker leaving Conservancy for director position at Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program

Jennifer Hecker has been with the Conservancy, for more than 12 years and is mostly known as the group's natural policy director, a role in which she advocated for Everglades restoration projects as well as cleaner water in the Caloosahatchee River and its estuary.

Hecker gave a presentation last month during the Save Our Waters summit, organized by The News-Press

Hecker could not be reached Wednesday but other environmental advocates say she has been a staple for preserving Florida's ecology.

"Jennifer has been one of the most consistent, knowledgeable and influential advocates for conservation that I have known," said John Cassani, chair of the Southwest Florida Rivershed Council.

Hecker is now the executive director of the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, one of 28 watersheds included in the National Estuary Program.

She has a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from Prescott College and a graduate degree in tropical biology from the University of Missouri.