BRIDGTON — Mark Markot has been named executive director of Loon Echo Land Trust, the organization announced.
Markot, of Harrison, is replacing Thom Perkins, who has retired.
Markot worked for LELT supporting the organization’s stewardship and conservation easement programs, in addition to organizing the 2018 Loon Echo Trek. He also worked as a part-time consultant through Sebago Clean Waters to support both Loon Echo and Western Foothills Land Trusts with their conservation efforts.
“Our board is thrilled to have Matt lead Loon Echo and we are looking forward to working with him to continue the positive impact that Loon Echo has on our community,” said Loon Echo Board President David Diller.
Markot haw worked at the Nature Conservancy, the Maine Natural Areas Program and Kieve-Wavus Education Inc. He is also a registered Maine guide and wilderness first responder.
“I’m humbled by the opportunity to step into a new role in an organization that I have great respect for,” he said. “The passion that Loon Echo’s board, staff, members, and volunteers bring to conservation work in our region inspires me to lead by their example. I intend to build upon Loon Echo’s strengths while keeping sight of the traditions that make protected land so integral to our way of life in the Lake Region.”
Perkins held the post from 2016 to 2018 and will act as senior advisor to the organization until the end of March, assisting Markot in organizational management during the transition.
During his tenure, Perkins finalized the organization’s Land Trust Alliance national accreditation, negotiated the donation of land for a new preserve on Highland Lake, negotiated and developed donated land for recreational access to Pleasant Mountain, acquired the technological tools needed to position the organization for the future, spearheaded additional conservation easement land, increased the capacity of the organization by increasing staff in mission critical areas, was instrumental in developing an organization to protect the region’s clean water and laid the groundwork for additional Loon Echo Land Trust conservation efforts.
The trust will host a snowshoe walk of its latest project, Peabody-Fitch Woods at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, when the public will have an opportunity to meet Markot, explore the property and learn more about the project.
For more information, visit www.lelt.org.
PHOTO: Mark Markot, left, and Thom Perkins, right, the new and retiring executive directors of Loon Echo Land Trust. (Submitted photo)
