By Kathy Bieler, Board President
I am thrilled to announce that the Land Conservancy Board of Directors has officially lifted the "Acting" tag from Marisa Riggi's title and named her the Executive Director.
In just six years as the Conservation Director, she has led major conservation projects and helped our community conserve more than 1,450 acres of land. This includes such high-profile forests as the College Lodge Forest near Fredonia, Mossy Point in Wales, and the Janet Gallogly Allegany Wildlands in Cattaraugus County. Under her leadership as Conservation Director, our community is currently working to save an additional 3,600 acres, including the Floating Fen in Chautauqua County, which the community is fundraising to save this year.
Marisa has been a vital part of the Land Conservancy’s leadership team since her arrival, and she has done a fantastic job steering our conservation activities. She has also conceptualized and championed a groundbreaking vision called the Western New York Wildway, our ambitious, long-term project that will galvanize our community for decades to come. Her vision and dedication to our mission is unparalleled. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Marisa at the helm.
“I grew up in Western New York,” Marisa said. “I developed my love for nature while exploring the woods behind my house when I was little, and now my husband and I are raising our two kids here. This is my home, and I consider it my life’s mission to protect our region’s forests, farmlands, rivers, and streams for the benefit of every living creature. Working at the Land Conservancy, being part of an amazing staff and community of people all passionately engaged in conservation, is an absolute joy. I couldn’t be more excited to transition into the role of Executive Director.”
We are truly happy for Marisa and excited about the future of conservation in our region. You can join us at our gala on September 27th and meet Marisa and the rest of our staff and Board.
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