|
Hudson Highlands Land Trust Welcomes New Director of Outreach and Development
The Hudson Highlands Land Trust is pleased to welcome MJ Martin as Director of Outreach and Development. An area resident for thirteen years, Martin has resided in Garrison with her family for the past three.
The position of Director of Outreach and Development is a new one at the Land Trust and was created in response to the growth of the organization and HHLT’s increasing desire to collaborate with the community
on issues of concern and interest, as well as expand and enhance its development efforts. “This new Director position was made possible through several professional development grants we’ve been fortunate enough to receive. To now have someone with MJ’s talents available to fill this critical position is just amazing; our community is going to be so well-served by the work that she has already begun,” observes Andy Chmar, the Land Trust’s Executive Director.
Martin’s background spans nineteen years of experience in public relations, events coordination, marketing, and promotion for non-profit, commercial and professional firms. Martin is the former President and Co-founder of SoLuna Productions, Inc., a website design and online promotion business. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Ithaca College and is a licensed real estate agent. An active volunteer in the Garrison School community, Martin is currently the Garrison School PTA President and sits on the school’s Wellness and Facilities committees.
“Having a dedicated staff member heading up development efforts will allow the Land Trust to expand and augment our fundraising program in ways that were simply not possible previously,” notes Fred Osborn, Land Trust Board member and chair of the Development Committee. “I look forward to working with MJ to broaden HHLT’s outreach to the community. In the coming year, we will endeavor to communicate to an even wider audience the importance of preserving our area’s natural landscapes and invite more local residents to become involved in this vital mission,” stated Nancy Berner, Land Trust Board member
and chair of the Outreach Committee.
“I am very excited to be taking an active role in assisting the Land Trust in its work to protect and preserve the special rural character and breathtaking scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands. I look forward to further involving the community in this exciting and important objective,” remarked Martin.
Martin resides in Garrison with her husband Fred Martin, a Vice President of Information Technology at Morgan Stanley. They have two daughters, both of whom attend the Garrison School. She is a former resident of Cold Spring Village and Beacon.
The Hudson Highlands Land Trust seeks to protect the special character of the Highlands through land conservation, advocacy, and the promotion of sound long-term planning. HHLT works with landowners and groups of neighbors who are interested in preserving their property for future generations; provides information about our area’s wonderful natural resources; draws attention to the high costs of shortsighted development; and organizes community events such as the Annual Family Festival Barbeque & Square Dance and the Sustainability Expo held each Fall.
| 
)
