Leadership Transition News
Staffing Changes at Western Foothills Land Trust
Western Foothills Land Trust (WFLT) is proud to celebrate its recent successes and significant strides in organizational stability and conservation efforts over the past two years, as it prepares for upcoming staffing transitions and welcomes new leadership for the near future.
Kacy Bailey is transitioning out of her role as Executive Director of WFLT. Kacy has worked for the Land Trust since May 2022, starting as Deputy Director, and taking on the role of Executive Director in September 2023.
While serving as the organization's leader for a relatively short time, her leadership and dedication has brought a new level of professionalism and financial-stability to the Land Trust. Significant work has been done to improve record keeping and financial management and to bring the Land Trust's land acquisitions and stewardship processes up to current Land Trust Alliance standards, setting the Land Trust up to successfully complete larger and more complex conservation projects.
"I have really enjoyed my work with the Land Trust - from understanding the motivations of our supporters and partnering with other local organizations to expand our collective impact, to working through complex land purchases and thorny stewardship concerns,” explains Kacy. “It is so easy to see the impact of our work all around us. However, it's time for me personally to take a step back and let new leadership take this organization into its next phase."
Kacy will continue to support the Land Trust through ongoing management of financial matters and occasional stewardship and land transaction work on a contract basis.
Kelli Shedd, who has worked for Land Trust since October 2019 in Development and Community Outreach, has agreed to take on the role of Interim Director as of February 1st. Kelli previously served as the Marketing and Membership Manager for Loon Echo Land Trust, based in Bridgton, and has worked in conservation and outdoor recreation throughout New England for over twenty years.
“Western Maine has been my home for over a decade now, and I’m excited to continue the trajectory of conservation work that WFLT has accomplished. Outdoor recreation and access to natural places has always played an important role in my life. I feel so fortunate to be a part of this organization and to help protect natural habitats and create opportunities for all people to have meaningful experiences in the outdoors,” remarks Kelli.
Kelli will be stepping into the Interim Director role to allow the organization time to explore its strategic direction for the coming years.
“I am humbly grateful for everything Kacy has done for our organization during her relatively short time with us. Kacy’s impact has been transformative and has put us on a stable path into the future. I’m excited to support the career development of one of our own and to see Kelli spread her wings in this new role. As our “story teller”, she knows the organization as well as anyone and with her years of experience will serve us well as the new leader,” praised WFLT Board President, Carl Costanzi.
Please join us in congratulating Kacy and Kelli in their respective accomplishments and commitment to seeing WFLT continue to lead the conservation movement in this special region of western Maine.
Western Foothills Land Trust is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of native ecosystems, farm and forest lands, watersheds, and scenic landscapes for the benefit of wild and human communities in western Maine. The Land Trust preserves lands and easements in the towns of Norway, Paris, Hebron, Greenwood, Waterford, Otisfield, Oxford, and Buckfield. The organization currently maintains nine preserves open to the public and over 35 miles of multi-use recreational trails.