WILMINGTON — Anne Harper, executive director of Delaware Nature Society, will retire at the end of June.

After a total of four years of service in two different roles, Ms. Harper will be moving out of state to join family.

“I am so grateful to the DelNature board of directors, staff and community for the opportunity to serve as executive director for the past three and half years,” Ms. Harper said in a prepared statement. “The last 14 months of the pandemic have prompted me to re-think my personal priorities and I have decided to move to North Carolina to be nearer my children and grandchildren. As Delaware moves into a ‘new normal’, DelNature will remain committed to environmental education, conservation, and advocacy. I am excited to see where the organization goes in the future.”

Dawn Rittenhouse, DelNature board chairperson, thanked Ms. Harper  for her service.

“The organization is in a strong position because of her leadership," she said. "The board is committed to maintaining this position of strength, grateful to the many staff, donors and volunteers who support our mission, and look forward to building toward an even stronger future.”

The board will immediately launch a national search for a new executive director.