To new beginnings!
To new beginnings!
A Message from Executive Director, Carrie Kinne
With humble gratitude, I announce I am stepping down as Executive Director at KELT at the of May. I have led the land trust for almost 13 years and am so proud of the conservation, stewardship and broad scope of work that has been accomplished.
Carrie proudly points out the different rivers flowing into Merrymeeting Bay during a property visit in April.
I am incredibly appreciative of every board member, committee member, volunteer, donor, and community partner (past and present). Your passion for our mission is at the heart of all KELT's work. Giving your time, sound guidance, helping hands, and generous support has been crucial to KELT’s growth and success. This last year has not been easy, but it is because of you that KELT can protect spectacular outdoor places important to plants, wildlife, and people of all ages.
I am very proud of KELT's Staff, who allow me to leave the organization in capable, caring hands. I have watched this staff literally grow up before my very eyes and they are amazing! I am honored and lucky to have worked with this dynamic team for so many years. The KELT Board of Directors has appointed Becky Kolak as Acting Executive Director, having been a valued member of the KELT staff for the last ten years.
When I arrived at KELT, I was brand new to land trust work. I am grateful to KELT's Board of Directors and our supportive communities for taking a chance and allowing me to learn, grow, and help make KELT the successful organization it is today. Even at my new position as Executive Director at the Freeport Conservation Trust, I will remain an avid fan of KELT!
With heartfelt thanks,
Fond Farewell to our beloved Executive Director
A message from KELT's Board of Directors
As we send Carrie off to her next adventure, there is much to celebrate. Carrie joined us in 2008 and was our first and only Executive Director. She stepped in just as we left the Lower Kennebec Regional Land Trust to take on greater challenges. She guided into the much bolder, stronger organization that with your help is flourishing today.
When Carrie was first hired, the competition was stiff, with very experienced individuals in the running. She readily admitted she did not know what a conservation easement was but in the end we all agreed her other skills, experience, and enthusiasm were what we needed. We can look back now and know we chose well.
Carrie (center) celebrates the grand opening of the Segerstrom Preserve on Westport Island in August 2017.
Her accomplishments are numerous, and greatest among them is that she has helped to build a sustainable, strong, nationally accredited and recognized land trust. Our organization will last and achieve our pledge of land protected forever and for you. From a fledgling organization with a modest budget and a staff of two, Carrie grew KELT’s programs and budget to cover a core staff of five plus interns, consultants, and strategic partners.
Carrie significantly expanded the role of KELT within our communities and statewide, including educational programming for all grades in our local schools, increased stewardship and public access to KELT properties, and community partnerships that focus on local food, community science, restoration projects, and regional trails.
Acres of protected land have jumped nearly 250% since 2008 under Carrie’s guidance. While this is an amazing legacy, her never ending energy means that even as she leaves, there are multiple pending acquisitions to add to this total.
Jack Witham, a founder and Board member, presents Carrie with a gift from the Board celebrating and recognizing her tenure with KELT.
We will miss all that Carrie has brought to the Kennebec Estuary; we feel so lucky to have had her passion and love for the Kennebec River dedicated to KELT for the last 13 years. We are sure you join the Board of Directors of KELT to wish Carrie all the best in her future endeavors. The board is in the process of creating a special fund to honor all she has given to this place we all love.
The Board also feels great confidence in the next steps we are taking to keep the KELT ship sailing through the stormy post-COVID waters. We are appointing Becky Kolak, KELTs current program director, as Acting Executive Director. We have great faith in the skills and dedication of the current staff to keep KELT running smoothly during this transition period.