Tom Anderson, for more than 20 years the executive director of Save the Dunes, is stepping down.

According to a statement released on Monday, Anderson has announced his resignation.

Susan Mihalo, current secretary and immediate past president of the Board of Directors for Save the Dunes, has been appointed interim executive director, and will serve in that position until a permanent replacement has been named.

“Tom Anderson was responsible for the passionate advocacy and strong ambition in protecting, preserving, and restoring the natural resources of Indiana’s Lake Michigan Watershed,” the statement said. “Through his leadership and commitment, Save the Dunes became the preeminent conservation and environmental organization in Northwest Indiana. He represented the organization with distinction, tirelessly attending permit meetings, traveling to Indianapolis to serve on the Air Quality Board, contributing to important discussions about environmental issues and opportunities, and much more.”

Anderson “also demonstrated extreme compassion by counseling people on how they could make a difference,” the statement added. “Also, thanks to Tom’s efforts, thousands upon thousands of acres of green space and Indiana Dunes have been preserved in Northwest Indiana, by his own hand or simply through his education and inspiration of others. Humans, wildlife, and native plants have all benefited from his efforts to protect the watersheds that are so important to life and the Dunes. Tom Anderson will be missed but his legacy will never be forgotten.”

Posted 3/23/2010