The Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) is pleased to announce Laura Hannan as the recipient of the 2026 ANCA Outstanding New Leader Award. This award recognizes Hannan’s achievements in the field of nature and environmental learning centers, specifically in organizational leadership, professionalism, professional development, and creativity.
Hannan has been Executive Director of Fair Hill Nature Center in Elkton, Maryland, since January 2022. Hannan has led a revitalization of the organization, establishing the nature center as a renowned destination and resource throughout its region.
Under Hannan’s leadership, Fair Hill Nature Center has:
- Increased its operational budget by over 500%
- Grown its annual visitorship by over 50%
- Opened to the public on weekends
- Established an outdoor classroom
- Renovated facilities and educational exhibits
- Launched a capital campaign to enhance the nature center campus, open a nature-based playscape, and create an endowment
Hannan is known as an engaging leader who builds strong connections. She has recruited committed board members, developed new community partnerships, and cultivated a staff culture of empowerment and creativity. With a background in commercial finance, Hannan has also brought strong business skills to her role, which has helped Fair Hill Nature Center sustainably grow and achieve its objectives.
An active participant in ANCA programs, Hannan has attended the ANCA Annual Summit, ANCA Virtual Summit, and ANCA CONNECTS programs. She also participates in the ANCA Mentor Program and serves on the board of West Cecil Health Center in Conowingo, Maryland.
ANCA will recognize Hannan with this award as part of the Leadership Award Ceremony on August 26 at the 2026 ANCA Annual Summit.
I am delighted that Laura Hannan is being recognized with the Outstanding New Leader Award! Laura is an exceptional leader who combines strategic thinking, strong business acumen, and a deep commitment to her organization's mission. She understands that lasting impact begins with a strong organizational foundation and has guided her nature center through significant growth and improvement. Laura's dedication, vision, and thoughtful leadership have strengthened both her organization and the community it serves. I am excited to see all that she and Fair Hill Nature Center accomplish in the years ahead.
— Jen Levy, ANCA Executive Director
Laura’s strongest attribute is her ability to foster connections within the community … Her outgoing personality and willingness to reach out and participate in community events, such as fundraisers, parades, and anything nature related have been instrumental in raising awareness and garnering support for the Nature Center. Under Laura’s advocacy and relationship-building efforts, the community’s engagement with the center has grown substantially.
— Anne Gellrich, President of the Fair Hill Nature Center Board of Directors
Laura has brought an extraordinary combination of drive, vision, and a true can-do attitude to Fair Hill Nature Center … Her energy is both contagious and catalytic — motivating staff, engaging stakeholders, and producing tangible results.
— Richard T. Garrett, Executive Director of Children’s Beach House
Laura Hannan has proven to be a dynamic, respected, and visionary leader during her four successful and transformative years as the Fair Hill Nature Center’s Executive Director. Her quantifiable successes in administration, creativity in expanding programming, and foresight in securing the center’s long-term future demonstrate an extraordinary impact in the field.
— Christopher M. Grieco, State Park Ranger Manager at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area
About the Award
The ANCA Outstanding New Leader Award recognizes an individual with the potential for future impact within the field of nature center administrators. Award recipients demonstrate leadership, professionalism, professional development, and creativity within the field of nature and environmental learning center, while holding less than five years of full-time work experience as the director, executive director, or leader at the highest administrative level at an organization. A committee of ANCA members selects the award recipient from a pool of leaders who were nominated by their peers. This award began in 2014.
About ANCA
The Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) promotes and supports best leadership and management practices for the nature and environmental learning center profession. It is the only such organization in North America and supports over 750 members that include nature center directors, managers, senior administrators, and board members.