Presumpscot Regional Land Trust hires new executive director

Presumpscot Regional Land Trust, the regional land conservation organization that serves Windham, announced that it has appointed Will Sedlack to be its next Executive Director.

Will Sedlack has been named Executive Director of the
Presumpscot Regional Land Trust. He will begin his new
duties Dec. 15 and brings years of experience working in
the nonprofit field to the organization.
SUBMITTED PHOTO   

Sedlack will assume the leadership position held for nearly a decade by Rachelle Curran Apse, whose last day will be Dec. 14. Sedlack will join the land trust staff during the last week of November to transition into the position and begin his duties as Executive Director on Dec. 15.

The Presumpscot Regional Land Trust primarily serves Windham and surrounding towns Gorham, Gray, Standish, and Westbrook. In the last decade, the Land Trust has grown to include more than 500 supporting families, nearly 3,000 acres of conserved lands, and more than 30 miles of trails that are free and open to the public.

In addition, the land trust monitors the water quality of the Presumpscot River watershed, coordinates the 28-mile Sebago to the Sea Trail, and provides educational programming to hundreds of students and families each year.

Sedlack brings years of experience working in the nonprofit field, most recently at Maine Conservation Voters, managing a wide range of projects that engage communities in democracy, environmental, and conservation advocacy and policy making. Sedlack has a Law Degree from the University of Maine School of Law and a Master of Policy, Planning, and Management from the Muskie School of Public Service at USM. Sedlack has also had the opportunity to work at two other local nonprofits as a legal fellow: Maine Farmland Trust and Friends of Casco Bay.

He began his career at Gorham High School as a technology integrator and a teacher in the BRIDGES program for at-risk students. Sedlack has also served on the Board of Directors for MaineShare, a coalition of over 40 nonprofits statewide, and on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the City of Portland.

“I am passionate about publicly accessible trails, and I am honored to become the next Executive Director of the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust,” Sedlack said. “I love seeing how space transforms throughout the seasons and how communities creatively access nature. The trails and rivers of southern Maine have provided me space to think, act, connect, and learn about myself and the world around me. I enjoy fly fishing, cross-country skiing, gardening, and walking. I am excited to lead the Land Trust and ensure that the legacy of public access to nature in Gorham, Windham, Westbrook, Standish, and Gray continues for generations to come.”

Dave Cole, Co-President of the Board of Directors of the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust, believes that Sedlack will be a good fit to lead the organization.

“We are delighted to hire Will to lead the organization,” Cole said. “Will’s thoughtful, approachable, and energetic style will bring the leadership needed to continue the momentum that has resulted in over 800 acres of land conserved and open for the public in Gorham, Westbrook, and Windham this year.”

The Land Trust’s three-person staff team will continue with Toby Jacobs as Program Manager and Brenna Crothers as Community Engagement Manager. The Land Trust is also actively hiring a part-time Development Coordinator. To learn more, go to: www.prlt.org.

Curran Apse has worked for the Land Trust since 2015 and is leaving to move with her family to Cape Town, South Africa.

Sedlack will attend the East Windham Conservation Area opening on Saturday, Dec. 2, co-hosted by the Land Trust and the Town of Windham. The event is free and open to the public, but due to space constraints, everyone must register to attend in advance. Register at www.prlt.org on the events page. <