Gallo named executive director of Maine Lakes Society

BELGRADE LAKES – Susan Gallo, of Cumberland, has been named executive director of the Maine Lakes Society.
Gallo has spent the past 20 years delivering education and outreach programs, including management of the statewide Maine Loon Project, Fish Lead Free Project and the Maine Amphibian Monitoring Program at Maine Audubon, according to a news release from the Maine Lakes Society.

“We can’t be more pleased with what Susan brings to our organization,” said Jen Jespersen, president of Maine Lakes Society. “Her experience and passion for lake conservation, program management, fundraising and collaboration with conservation partners and the public make her a strong and successful leader for the Maine Lakes Society for years to come.”
Gallo’s role as full-time executive director began Nov. 5. She is directly responsible for policy, communication with member lake associations, expansion of the statewide LakeSmart program, and strengthening the society’s education and outreach programs.
“Maine Lakes Society’s advocacy, outreach and conservation efforts over the last 48 years have had an incredibly positive impact on our state, both environmentally and economically,” said Gallo. “I’m excited to help lead the organization at a time when lakes face an onslaught of new challenges from climate change and development. I have long been impressed with Maine Lakes Society’s focus on strong lake protections, innovative education programs, and landowner outreach efforts. I hope to help the organization grow and strengthen that focus so that generations of Maine families can enjoy the many benefits that clean and healthy lakes bring to us all.”
Formed as a non-profit, charitable membership organization named the Congress of Lake Associations in 1970, the Maine Lakes Society has since catalyzed and supported the state’s numerous grassroots lake associations; provided science-based lake and watershed information to the public, lake users, activists and government decision-makers; and advocated strenuously for strong stewardship through wise land use.
For more information, visit www.mainelakessociety.org or email mlsadmin@mainelakessociety.org.