Staff & Partner News

OLT Annouces New Executive Director

Otsego Land Trust is pleased announce that Virginia Kennedy will be joining the Land Trust team as its new Executive Director beginning in March. Her appointment is the culmination of a nationwide search that included more than 50 qualified applicants.

"Virginia brings passion for our mission, leadership, and vision. We welcome her and look forward to working together to connect people to the landscapes we are protecting,” commented Carla Hall-Friedman who chaired the Executive Director search committee.

Kennedy is currently Outreach and Development Manager of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy (Hawley, PA and Bethel, NY).  At the Conservancy, she led the successful restructuring of all outreach and communication programs, enhanced the Conservancy’s position with landowners and in the community, increased organizational fundraising, and managed the Conservancy’s successful merger with another environmental nonprofit.  Previously, Kennedy taught high school and college level English.  She is a published writer who holds an MA in English from Montclair State University and a PhD in English and American Indian Studies from Cornell University, where her research and writing focused on environmental ethics. 

Kennedy comes to Otsego Land Trust with a passion for land protection and for assuring that land trusts will play an important role in helping communities make the vital connection between strong locally sustainable economies and protecting healthy land and water. Otsego Land Trust is excited to welcome Kennedy, her husband Kevin and three children to our community.

"I am truly excited to be joining a dynamic organization like Otsego Land Trust.  Land trusts play a vital role in communities all over America, protecting healthy lands and clean water, and connecting people to the importance of conservation.  Otsego Land Trust has done an outstanding job in both land protection and education.  I'm honored to join this dedicated team and contribute to its growing success," Virginia remarked.

This past year was the most productive in Otsego Land Trust’s 25 year history. Milestones included continued development of the Oaks Creek Blue Way, the purchase of the iconic Deowongo Island in Canadarago Lake, grants from diverse funding sources including the Royal Bank of Canada and the Chesapeake Conservancy. And in 2012, Otsego Land Trust set a new record by protecting nearly 2,000 additional acres that are now added to its growing portfolio of protected land.

“As we head into 2013, we have abundant opportunities before us and look forward to continuing the momentum of the past several years,” commented Harry Levine, Board Chairman.

An open house & reception to welcome Virginia Kennedy to our  community will be planned for a future date in March.