You will notice a familiar face in the Door County environmental community leading Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay.

Outgoing Executive Director for Crossroads at Big Creek Laurel Hauser announced on Thursday that Samantha Koyen would be her replacement. Koyen has been a conservationist at the Door County Soil and Water Department since December 2019 after serving in ecologist roles for NES Ecological Services in Green Bay and SWCA Environmental Consultants. Part of Koyen’s role with the Door County Soil and Water Department was to coordinate the county’s invasive species team, which collaborated with non-profit partners, homeowners, and other agencies to remove harmful plants and animals like phragmites, rusty crayfish, and black swallow-wort.

It is that local experience that excites Crossroads Board President Jim Stawicki, who added that Koyen has a deep appreciation for the organization’s work and the enthusiasm to take it into the future. Koyen said it was an honor to lead the Door County Invasive Species Team and she is excited to have some of those skills to use at Crossroads. 

Koyen's first day as the executive director for Crossroads will be October 16th. Hauser will stay on the team as its development director.