The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees (ACFT) hired Isabelle Shepherd as its new executive director.

"Shepherd brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit management, development and advocacy. An established leader in Wilmington’s nonprofit community, she previously served as development director and later interim executive director of the Historic Wilmington Foundation and has worked with WHQR Public Media and StepUp Wilmington," according to a news release.

Shepherd will work with the ACFT Board of Directors to manage the organization’s operations, strategic planning, outreach activities and events, the release stated. Shepherd succeeds Dan Camacho, who has served as executive director for the past year. According to the release, Camacho will continue to be an active part of the nonprofit organization, supporting its successful Tree Stewards program, which trains volunteers to routinely care for young trees and ensure their survival. 

Shepherd stated in the release, “Trees are essential to our community—cooling our streets, improving air quality, and fostering vibrant neighborhoods. It is both humbling and inspiring to serve an organization so integral to the health and resilience of Wilmington and the surrounding region. Together with the Board, dedicated volunteers, and enthusiastic supporters, I am excited to build on ACFT’s incredible legacy and expand our impact for future generations.” 

Founded in 2015, the alliance has planted or assisted in planting more than 3,000 trees throughout the city and distributed another 14,000 young trees to area residents, the release stated.