Advisors
Ken Grudens Executive Director
Since 2004, Ken has worked with the Board of Directors in protecting the natural lands, waterways, and scenic beauty of Indian River County. He holds a Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture and a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture. A respected leader in Florida's conservation community, Ken formally served as Chair of the Indian River County Conservation Lands Committee and on an Advisory Committee of the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program. Currently, he serves on the board of the Alliance of Florida Land Trusts, where he served as president for two years, and is a contributing author of a book on Florida landscape conservation published in 2026. His lifelong commitment to conservation continues to shape a healthy, resilient, and accessible environment for future generations.
Melissa DePriest Chief Development Officer
Melissa DePriest is a lifelong Florida resident with a deep-rooted passion for protecting the natural beauty of her home state. Raised on the Treasure Coast, Melissa developed a strong personal connection to land and water conservation-values that have shaped both her life and career. Melissa oversees the organization's philanthropy and donor relations, leading strategic fundraising initiatives, cultivating meaningful community partnerships, and helping advance the Land Trust's mission of protecting the natural places, waters, and wildlife that define Indian River County.
Melissa is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), reflecting her dedication to the highest standards of ethical and effective fundraising. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from the University of Florida.
Dave Fuss Director of Land Stewardship
Dave joined the Land Trust in February 2019. He has a strong environmental ethic and has an extensive background in environmental and natural resources. He has worked in fisheries science, wetland restoration and management, watershed planning and management, and water and environmental quality control. He relocated from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with his family. He holds a B.A. in Environmental Science from the University of Virginia and a M.S. in Marine Resource Management from Oregon State University. A Florida native, Dave is excited to play a strong role in natural resource conservation as part of the IRLT team.
Loreto Murray Director of Annual Giving and Marketing
A native from Chile, Loreto moved to Vero Beach with her family in 1993. She holds a B.A. degree in Public Relations/Advertising from the University of Central Florida. With 15 years of experience working in the non-profit sector for organizations in Orlando and Vero Beach, she is committed to making a difference in her community. IRLT holds a special place in her heart because of her love of nature and desire to preserve the beauty of the natural spaces that surround us. As the Director of Annual Giving and Marketing, she is wholeheartedly committed to contributing to its mission of protecting and preserving our natural world for present and future generations. Loreto is happily married and the mother of two very active boys. You can often find the Murray family hiking the IRLT trails, fishing somewhere in the Lagoon, or enjoying our beautiful beaches.
JD Hart Land Stewardship Manager
JD Hart grew up in Vero Beach, FL and is a graduate of Vero Beach High School. After obtaining a B.S. degree in Biological Sciences from Florida Atlantic University in 2013, he worked as a Biological Scientist at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute where he contributed to valuable research on water quality and seagrass health in the Indian River Lagoon. He joined the Land Trust in February 2020, and is grateful to be able to participate in the important function of the organization to preserve our natural resources for the betterment of our community. JD, his wife and three daughters live in Vero Beach where they enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, fishing and spending time at the beach.
Rose West Director of Land Acquisition
Rose West, a native of northeast Georgia, holds a bachelor's degree in Geography from the University of Georgia and spent more than 14 years in nature park operations and management in Georgia, holding positions as a State Park Manager, municipal Trails and Open Space Manager and Nature Division Administrator. As Director of Land Acquisition, Rose works with local landowners and all of those passionate about helping preserve the beautiful and ecologically important lands of Indian River County. Rose and her husband, Adam and two children moved to Vero Beach in 2024 and are eager to spend their free time outdoors at the beach and on the water. The moment she set foot here, she knew it was a special place and is excited to be a part of local efforts to keep it that way.
Elizabeth Betts Donor Relations Coordinator
A native of North Carolina, Liz moved to Florida in 2019 to be closer to family. With a Bachelor's Degree in History from Appalachian State University, Liz brings over 17 years of experience in education and non-profit sectors. Her diverse professional background includes roles as a Community/Youth Education Volunteer for the Peace Corps, a Study Abroad Advisor at The George Washington University, an English teacher in China, and a small business owner in Western North Carolina. Liz is passionate about the outdoors and conservation and was thrilled to join the Indian River Land Trust family 2022. Transitioning in 2024 to the role of Donor Relations Coordinator, she is excited to continue strengthening our relationships with donors and supporting our mission.
Shannon Wesley Operations Manager
A Vero Beach native, Shannon joined the Land Trust team in 2026. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida and brings a diverse professional background that includes public accounting, finance, small business ownership, and event management. Shannon oversees the organization's operational and human resources functions, helping ensure staff have the support needed to advance the Land Trust's mission. Drawn to the organization by her deep connection to the community and desire to preserve the natural beauty of her hometown, she is proud to contribute to protecting the lands and waterways of Indian River County for future generations. Outside of work, Shannon enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, whether at the beach, exploring new places, or simply enjoying time together.