The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) is very excited to announce that Becky Kolak will be the conservation organization’s new executive director. Becky has been the acting executive director of KELT since June of 2021 and brings a wealth of land trust experience and vision to the role.

Becky moved from Illinois to Maine in 2010 for an AmeriCorps Maine Conservation Corps position. She joined KELT in 2011 to build awareness about the importance of clean water for softshell clams in the region. After discovering the joy of dissecting clams with 4th graders and connecting people to beautiful parts of the local landscape, she became the land trust’s first Education Coordinator in 2012. In this role, Becky built KELT’s nature-based education programming, providing programs year-round for thousands of community members, visitors, and local students.

Building on her love of conservation and education, she became KELT’s Program Director in 2017. For the last five years, Becky has continued to grow the reach of KELT’s education programs while also leading the land stewardship program and supporting the organization’s fundraising and human resources. After a decade of dedicating time, innovative ideas, and delightful puns to KELT, Becky has supported almost all facets of the land trust’s work and has developed countless community connections. Her enthusiastic vision for KELT’s future includes providing new public landscapes to explore as well as increasing accessibility to nature for all.

“I feel extremely lucky to have found a work-home at KELT so many years ago! The organization has provided opportunities for me to learn and grow in my professional career and most importantly, chances to be creative and navigate challenges, all while working to protect the natural wonders of the Kennebec Estuary region,” Kolak said. “It’s the wonderful people—the fellow staff, volunteers, partners, and donors—who I’ve worked alongside that keep me feeling that my efforts have genuine impact. Now, I can’t wait to dive in and connect KELT to new projects and supporters!”

“We’re very grateful that (former executive director) Carrie Kinne identified Becky’s talent and helped prepare her for a leadership role,” said KELT Board President Reeve Wood. “When Carrie departed KELT, Becky was able to step in as Acting Executive Director and give the Board time to assess KELT’s needs, all while demonstrating her own considerable abilities in the role. In the end, Becky’s experience, passion, and calm decisiveness made it a no-brainer to appoint her as KELT’s next Executive Director. As an organization we’re especially lucky to get the benefits of both continuity and renewal, and the Board of Directors really looks forward to working with Becky to chart a course through KELT’s fourth decade and beyond.”

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust is a membership supported organization dedicated to protecting the land, water, and wildlife of the Kennebec Estuary. It maintains 12 preserves for public enjoyment and has protected 4,100+ acres of land since founding in 1989. FMI visit www.kennebecestuary.org or call (207) 442-8400.