Midcoast Conservancy is delighted to announce that it has begun the transition to a new leadership structure. In January, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt a shared leadership model to guide Midcoast Conservancy into the future. Shared leadership models vary but Midcoast Conservancy will have three co-leaders, equal in status, who have different job descriptions yet overlap with key responsibilities essential to organizational stability. They support each other, share ideas, and approach every challenge as a team; collaboration and good communication are fundamental components of the system. After conversations with organizations who have moved to shared leadership, it became clear that the model can work to create a more resilient and equitable organization, with a responsive structure that more fully engages and empowers staff members. 

Following the go-ahead from the Board, two of the three co-executive director positions were filled, with the unequivocal support of the staff, by familiar faces. Tim Trumbauer will serve as the co-executive director of Engagement and Strategy. Since October, Trumbauer has been serving as Midcoast Conservancy’s interim executive director. He had worked there as the director of Water and Communications until last spring when he left to serve as an executive director for a neighboring conservation organization; Midcoast Conservancy is thrilled to have him back.

Kristin Pennock, the current director of Administration and Finance, will serve as the new co-executive director of Operations. Pennock has an intimate knowledge of the organizational administration and is a highly regarded community member. She has been with Midcoast Conservancy since the original merger that created the organization in 2016, and prior to that, she had worked for the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association since 2002. Pennock has a 20-year track record of supporting conservation work in the Midcoast and is the perfect person to take on this leadership role.

A search is underway to fill the third position, the co-executive director of Conservation, with the hope to bring that person on board this spring. Potential candidates, or those who know a passionate conservation leader interested in working with the great team, are encouraged to visit the Midcoast Conservancy website for more information.

Midcoast Conservancy is a vibrant regional land trust that works to protect vital lands and waters on a scale that matters and to inspire wonder and action on behalf of all species and the Earth. The organization works throughout the Sheepscot River, Medomak River, and Damariscotta Lake watersheds. Midcoast Conservancy manages over 15,000 acres, including 55 preserves and 100 miles of trails; and Hidden Valley, a preserve with cabin and outdoor recreation equipment rentals and a low-impact forestry program. Community members can get involved in the organization’s work as volunteers with water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, fish passage projects, forestry and oyster farming or outdoor recreation and education. For more information, go to www.midcoastconservancy.org or call (207) 389-5150.