A new chapter for Columbia Land Trust

An announcement from Executive Director Glenn Lamb

Dear Friends of Columbia Land Trust,

I have some very big news—for both myself, personally, and for the organization—to share with you today! After 32 years as a board member or Executive Director, I am ready to embrace the next chapter. I have asked the Board of Directors to begin its search for my successor and will be preparing for my transition out of this position in six to twelve months.  

As most of you know, this has been my life’s work. And I am as energized as ever to advance conservation in the Northwest. However, I have decided that, to best serve the Land Trust and our mission, I want to end my tenure at the organization’s helm at a time of great strength.  

There is a season for all things; I believe this timing is right.   

I have watched the Land Trust grow from a small group of passionate volunteers looking to protect a single piece of property, into a financially strong and stable, sophisticated organization of nearly 40 employees conserving more than 55,000 acres of the region’s most important landscapes with more than 8,000 households enrolled in the Backyard Habitat Certification Program. Our management team is comprised of seasoned conservation leaders—some of the nation’s best—and supported by a dedicated staff that has the skill, energy, and expertise to meet the rising opportunities and challenges ahead.  

Indeed, we are embarking on some of our most exciting and transformative conservation efforts ever. However, it is healthy for an organization to grow its culture and identity around a diversity of personalities. I am certain that the Land Trust will benefit from having a new leader. Until then, I will be 100% present in my role as Executive Director as the organization completes its recruitment and hiring process.   

I will miss the official association that I have had with each of you as Executive Director, but I will always remain a friend to you and to this organization. Thank you for your support and partnership over the years. One of my greatest joys in this work has been traveling the road with you.   

My very best, 
Glenn   

A message from Board President Wendy Gerlach:   

Friends,  

As president of Columbia Land Trust’s board, I want to express our gratitude for Glenn’s over 30 years of transformative leadership. Glenn and other founders have created an exceptional land trust with many friends, strong partners, generous donors, an outstanding board, and exceptional staff.  With characteristic thoughtfulness, Glenn has decided that this time of strength is the time for him to move on and for the land trust to seek new leadership. The deeply capable management team and other staff, as well as Glenn’s commitment to serve until his successor is chosen, make the land trust well poised for this transition.   

I am sure I speak for many of you as well when I say that my connection with Glenn has been one of the pleasures of my involvement with the land trust, and that I will miss him greatly. He and others have built a powerful organization that will carry his vision and integrity into the future.  

The board has set up a search committee with members from both board and staff to lead the search for our new executive director, supported by a top national search firm. We will keep the community informed as that process unfolds.   

Again, I thank Glenn and all those, including you, who have built the land trust into the strong organization it is today. We look forward to celebrating Glenn’s contributions, when the time comes for him to leave, and to welcoming new leadership.  

Wendy
Wendy Gerlach, Columbia Land Trust Board President

Please email connect@columbialandtrust.org with any questions, comments, or messages for Glenn!