Michael LaLonde, president and CEO of Deschutes Brewery, was elected to the Conservation Alliance board of directors, the alliance announced Friday in a news release.

LaLonde, whose term began in January, fills the seat vacated by outgoing board member Chelsea Hadlock of Ibex Outdoor Clothing.

The Conservation Alliance is an association of businesses that support grassroots environmental organizations and their efforts to protect wild places where outdoor enthusiasts recreate, according to the release. The Conservation Alliance has, since 1989, contributed more than $19 million, awarded 552 grants, helped to protect more than 50 million acres of wildlands, protected 2,991 miles of rivers, stopped or removed 29 dams, designated five marine reserves and purchased 12 climbing areas.

The alliance quoted LaLonde as saying Deschutes Brewery company culture is “deeply connected” to the outdoors. “I am energized by the difference we can make by banding together with other Conservation Alliance members to put ‘boots on the ground’ to help protect our wild places. The need for action is more urgent than ever right now.”