From the desk of Gal Potashnick,

Outreach & Member Services Director;

Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust Welcomes New Executive Director

FRANCONIA – The Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust (ACT) is pleased to announce Chris Thayer as ACT’s new Executive Director starting September 14, 2020. Chris succeeds Rebecca Brown, ACT founder and executive director, who is stepping down after leading ACT through 20 years of growth and success.

For nearly a decade, Chris has worked for the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) as the Director for North Country Programming & Outreach. Prior to that, Chris was AMC’s Director of White Mountains Outdoor Centers and Huts Manager. He brings a wholistic regional perspective from his work at the AMC, on the advisory board of NH Listens, and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s North Country Regional Advisory Board, along with many others.

During his tenure at the AMC, Chris served as one of AMC’s expert witnesses and worked alongside ACT on the campaign to defeat the Northern Pass Transmission Project. “Chris and I have worked together on a number of boards and projects over the years, including opposing Northern Pass,” said Rebecca. “I am really pleased to be passing the torch to Chris with his great passion for ACT’s mission and his commitment to the North country.”

Chris embodies the values that drive ACT; he is conservation focused, community-driven and is deeply committed to ACT’s mission protecting lands and water for people and wildlife. “Our family has benefited directly from ACT’s mission and resulting work so I’m energized to join the board, staff, volunteers, and member-supporters to build on a legacy of conservation and community vitality as the leader of the North Country’s nonprofit lands conservancy,” said Chris.

Board President Marilyn Booth said “Chris was the unanimous choice by the Board and staff after a nationwide search, and we’re very excited about what he brings to ACT. He is a passionate supporter of conservation in the North Country, he knows our local communities and partners, and he will bring new ideas and perspectives to the table as we shape ACT’s vision for the next 20 years.”

Chris and his family are longtime residents of Sugar Hill, where he is recognized for his civic engagement as a school board member, and former planning board member.  “I’m thrilled to be joining the ACT team after so many years as a member-supporter living in the Sugar Hill-Franconia area,” Chris said. With Chris’ leadership ACT looks forward to continuing to link conservation and community vitality to strengthen the future of our region.