Our Team

Protecting Vermont from the ground up, one person at a time.

We know Vermont like the back of our hands. From project managers to land experts, we’re advocates for land and lives, entrusted with making land more vital, more viable, and more accessible to all.

Abby White Vice President of Engagement View Profile

Adam Piper Project Director View Profile

Al Karnatz Project Director View Profile

Allaire Diamond Ecologist View Profile

Woman smiling at camera - Annalise Carington

Annalise Carington Conservation Innovation Grant Manager View Profile

Astara Zuorski VHCB AmeriCorps Land Management Coordinator View Profile

Ben Waterman Facilities Director View Profile

Bob Heiser Project Director View Profile

Brian Townsend Information Technology Director View Profile

Britt Haselton Conservation Director View Profile

Caitlin Cusack Forester View Profile

Cara Montgomery Stewardship Director View Profile

Chris Moore GIS Director View Profile

Christa Kemp Donor Relations Director View Profile

Christine McShea Staff Attorney View Profile

Dan Kilborn Lands Director View Profile

David McMath Forester View Profile

Donald Campbell Project Director View Profile

Donna Foster Project Director View Profile

Young man wearing purple t-shirt and green baseball cap smiling at camera

Evan Foster Lands Coordinator View Profile

Jane Coffey Development Manager View Profile

Jennifer Garrett Project Director View Profile

Jessie Estes Executive Assistant View Profile

Jon Osborne GIS Director View Profile

Kerry O’Brien Project Director View Profile

Kyle Birrer ECO AmeriCorps Riparian Forest Coordinator View Profile

Lynn Ellen Schimoler Vice President of Operations View Profile

Maria Brosseau Legal Project Manager View Profile

Maggie Donin Farmland Access Director View Profile

Maggie Herrick Bookkeeper View Profile

Maya Sutton-Smith Events Manager View Profile

man in baseball cap and checked blue shirt smiling at camera

Mead Binhammer Project Director View Profile

Nadine Berrini Communications Director View Profile

Pamela Burlingame Project Director View Profile

Rasna Dhillon Communications Manager View Profile

Rebecca Roman Project Director View Profile

Sumana Serchan Project Director View Profile

Sasha Vaut Development Director View Profile

Tracy Zschau President & CEO View Profile

Tucker Malone Project Director View Profile

Tyler Miller Vice President of Land Activation View Profile

Abby White

Vice President of Engagement

Abby leads the Communications and Development team, which fosters engagement through events, storytelling, and fundraising. She joined VLT in 2019, after 15 years working in the clean energy sector. Abby is the person to call if you are a reporter, lawmaker, or generally inquisitive person who is seeking information about conservation and Vermont lands. She serves as one of the co-chairs of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition, which advocates for strong state investments in housing and conservation. She lives in Montpelier with her husband, two boys, and a very enthusiastic rescue pup.

Email
(802) 793-7282

Adam Piper

Project Director

Adam is a Project Director in Addison County who primarily supports owners of conserved land. He joined VLT in 2007 after finishing school and returning home to Vermont. Adam is the person to call if you are a conserved landowner with questions about your easement or seeking to improve the health and affordability of your land. He lives on his family’s farm in Huntington where you can find him outdoors in any weather playing with his two boys, doing farm chores, or developing his own businesses.

Email
(802) 371-8613

Al Karnatz

Project Director

As the ad-hoc VLT Historian, Al has conserved hundreds of farms in the Champlain Valley and brings decades of experience and relationships in the agricultural community. He works with landowners who are interested in conserving their farms and new farmers who are interested in buying land. Prior to joining VLT in 1994, Al conducted field research of agricultural products in the Midwest, worked for the Vermont Dairy Herd Improvement Association, and spent seven years with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. He is also a member of the Vermont Act 250 Environmental Commission. He and his wife have two sons, who grew up exploring the outdoors on various family adventures.

Email
(802) 861-6402

Allaire Diamond

Ecologist

As a VLT ecologist, Allaire seeks to understand the ecological complexity of Vermont’s land. She leads wetland and stream restoration projects statewide, conducts ecological assessments, and collaborates with landowners and partners to improve water quality, climate resilience, and biodiversity on conserved lands. She joined VLT in 2011, integrating previous experience in science education, research, and writing. Allaire grew up in Springfield and holds a BA from Wellesley College and an MEd and MS from the University of Vermont. To her, it doesn’t get much better than skate-skiing on the frozen surface of Great Hosmer Pond in Craftsbury and Albany.

Email
(802) 861-6411

Annalise Carington

Conservation Innovation Grant Manager

Annalise manages VLT’s Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) in partnership with the University of Vermont and Bio-Logical Capital. Funded by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, CIG is a five-year research project aiming to advance soil health and support farmer livelihoods. She joined VLT in 2022 after working with several state and federal land management programs in Vermont. Since 2015, she has supported farmers on water quality, habitat restoration, and farm viability projects. She loves spending time in her garden and running on trails with her lanky pup, Lu, in tow.

Email
(802) 238-2340

Astara Zuorski

VHCB AmeriCorps Land Management Coordinator

Astara (they/them) is our VHCB AmeriCorps Land Management Coordinator for 2023-24. Astara has dedicated much of their career to nature- and place-based education across the country, most recently as a Behavior Specialist for troubled teens. They have a passion for the outdoors and for connecting the ecological community to the human community, especially those who are underserved. Astara will be supporting our work on invasive species outreach, partnership efforts with Women Owning Woodlands, stewardship tasks, as well as events that connect people to the land and help them steward natural resources.

Email
(603) 320-4349

Ben Waterman

Facilities Director

As the Facilities Director, Ben oversees management of housing, buildings and infrastructure on VLT land that serves the public. He joined VLT in 2019 after fifteen years of working as an agricultural development educator and professor of soil science. Ben is the person to call if you have questions or ideas about the facilities we own and programs we support there. When not out on VLT properties, you can find him on his farm growing blueberries, building or fixing things, or very badly blowing his trombone (careful, cover your ears!).

Email
(802) 861-6506

Bob Heiser

Project Director

Bob works with landowners and communities to protect forestland and community lands in northwestern Vermont. Prior to joining VLT in 2005, Bob did ecological field research for NorthWoods Stewardship Center in East Charleston, Vermont and served as a Managing Director at Cambridge Associates in Boston where he advised the boards of non-profit organizations on their endowment investments. He is our internal expert on community conservation, and is the person to contact if you’re a community leader or volunteer looking to protect land in northwestern Vermont. Bob holds a bachelor’s from Amherst College, an MS in Resource Ecology & Management from the University of Michigan, and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. He lives in Richmond, where he loves exploring the woods and rivers with his wife and twin daughters.

Email
(802) 861-6404

Brian Townsend

Information Technology Director

Brian leads the Information Technology team, which works with all staff to enable and improve our work through the strategic implementation of technology and systems. He joined VLT in 2021, after over 18 years of leading information technology activities across state government. On any given day, you can find him supporting technology in our offices, working with colleagues out in the field, or coordinating the efforts of technology partners and vendors.

Email
(802) 262-1209

Britt Haselton

Conservation Director

As our Conservation Director, Britt helps lead our easement conservation work in terms of policy, external relations, and support for our internal team. Britt joined VLT in 2012 after working on a variety of conservation science and land protection projects in Vermont and New York. He lives in Bolton with his wife and two kids.

Email
(802) 861-6410

Caitlin Cusack

Forester

Caitlin is one of four licensed foresters who manages land owned by VLT and provides technical assistance to conserved landowners. She joined VLT in 2015 after seven years as a consulting forester and educator with the VT Urban and Community Forestry Program. She holds an MF from Yale University and BA from The College of the Holy Cross. Caitlin is the person to contact if you own conserved land in the Champlain Valley or Mad River Valley and have questions about forest management. She serves on the steering committee for Women Owning Woodlands and owns a sugaring business with her husband and daughter in Bristol.

Email
(802) 989-9616

Cara Montgomery

Stewardship Director

Cara serves as a stewardship leader within VLT, developing policies to govern the ongoing protection of conserved land and overseeing more complex landowner requests. Since joining VLT in 2007, Cara has held many roles within the organization and seen first-hand the import of conservation in securing the future of Vermont agriculture. She grew up on a fruit and vegetable farm and remains passionate about farming and food systems. When not at work, she is out skiing, hiking, biking, and gardening, exploring Vermont’s mountains and lakes with her husband and son, or playing a game of pick-up soccer with friends.

Email
(802) 598-0337

Chris Moore

GIS Director

As one of the longest tenured employees, Chris has seen and experienced VLT’s evolution first-hand. He joined in 1999 as a summer intern and served in six roles since then. Today, he makes maps, manages databases, and makes sure all of VLT’s data sources connect with one another. His favorite conservation project is the next one we complete. Outside of work, Chris is an amateur gardener and even more amateur carpenter.

Email
(802) 262-1212

Christa Kemp

Donor Relations Director

Christa serves as our Director of Donor Relations, responsible for major gifts and planned giving. She joined VLT in 2011, after working in Burlington as an investment advisor and retirement planner. A native Vermonter, she brings 30 years of experience working or volunteering on behalf of land and wildlife conservation. Christa especially loves connecting with people about VLT’s work and our impact on farming, forestry, climate, and recreation. She is the person to contact if you’re interested in making a donation to protect the Vermont you love—either an immediate gift, a gift of land, or a planned gift. When not on the phone or on the road, she is horseback riding, running, or skiing through her favorite town of Richmond.

Email
(802) 262-1229

Christine McShea

Staff Attorney

Christy is our Staff Attorney who manages land transactions and oversees our team of legal professionals. She graduated from Vermont Law School in 2014, and brings to VLT expertise in land title research. Christy is the person to call if you are a legal professional or landowner working on an active real estate transaction with VLT. Outside of the office, you can find Christy on the soccer pitch, coaching for Capital Soccer Club, and spending time with her quirky cat, George.

Email
(802) 262-1218

Dan Kilborn

Lands Director

As our Lands Director, Dan helps to manage land we own throughout the state. For many years, Dan served as a VLT forester in northern Vermont. Prior to joining VLT in 2007, Dan was a consulting forester in northern Vermont and New Hampshire. He enjoys exploring the connections between people and land, especially people’s relationship with our forests and how it influences the decisions we make. Off the job, Dan enjoys canoeing, hiking, hunting, birding, and helping to manage his family’s woodland.

Email
(802) 745-6303

David McMath

Forester

David is one of four licensed foresters who provides technical assistance to owners of conserved land. Prior to joining VLT in 2018, he was a consulting forester for over 23 years providing natural resource management services for clients throughout New England. In this role he was responsible for the day-to-day management of the former Atlas Timberlands in Northeast Vermont. David is the person to contact if you own conserved land in western and central Vermont and have questions about sustainable forest management. When not at his desk or in the woods, David enjoys being active outside, trying to slow down the aging process.

Email
(802) 262-1242

Donald Campbell

Project Director

Donald is a Project Director in southwest Vermont, working with landowners and communities on new conservation projects, and helping to ensure the protection of lands that have already been conserved. He joined VLT in 2002, after working at Shelburne Farms, Butternut Mountain Farm, The Land Concern, and the U.S. Forest Service. Committed to both community planning and conservation, Donald has been part of Bennington’s select board, planning commission, regional commission, and local non-profits focusing on food systems, outdoor recreation and education. With his wife and daughters, Donald chases a few sheep around his historic family farmstead in Bennington and plays the banjo in his spare time.

Email
(802) 442-4915

Donna Foster

Project Director

Donna is a project director for south central Vermont, based out of the King Farm office in Woodstock. As a 20-year veteran of VLT, she has helped hundreds of landowners care for their conserved land. She is the person to contact if you are interested in conserving land in her region or have questions about conservation easements or land management. Donna graduated from The University of New Hampshire’s environmental science program, walked with her husband from Georgia to Maine, and helped to build and now rebuild their home. She spends her time keeping track of three young adult daughters, and growing vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers in her greenhouse and gardens.

Email
(802) 371-8611

Evan Foster

Lands Coordinator

Evan works closely with others on our Land Activation Team to create and maintain systems for managing lands VLT owns, many of which are open to the public, as well as our restoration and forest management programs. He joined VLT as Lands Coordinator in 2023, with a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Vermont and several years’ experience at environmental and conservation organizations in the state. When Evan is not working, you can find him skiing in the mountains in winter and rock climbing throughout Vermont in the summer.

Email
(802) 262-3768

Jane Coffey

Development Manager

Jane works with the development and communications team to facilitate fundraising appeals and manage donations. She joined VLT in 2002 after spending 4 years at the Green Mountain Club working with members and volunteers. Jane is the person to contact if you would like to donate or have a question about your membership. On any given day, you can find her running and hiking the trails of Vermont and the mountains of New England.

Email
(802) 262-1204

Jennifer Garrett

Project Director

As a Project Director, Jennifer leads VLT’s land protection and easement stewardship work in southeastern Vermont. On a given day, you may find her walking in the woods with landowners, meeting with conservation partners to discuss a new community project, or documenting natural communities in the field. Jennifer is the person to contact in the southeast region if you have questions about your conserved land or want to explore a new conservation project. She joined VLT in 2015, with a background in conservation biology.

Email
(802) 246-1503

Jessie Estes

Executive Assistant

Jessie joined VLT in January of 2022 as the Executive Assistant to the President and Corporate Secretary for the Board of Trustees. Before coming onboard at VLT, Jessie worked as Director of Operations for a small meadery in St. Albans, and previously as Manager of Youth & Family Initiatives at the Vermont Foodbank. She earned a Master’s Degree in Organizational Development from Prescott College in the Fall of 2021. In her spare time, Jessie is an enthusiastic home baker who is always planning her next baking project.

Email
(802) 272-7036

Jon Osborne

GIS Director

As GIS Director, Jon manages our spatial data and empowers field staff to make more informed conservation and stewardship decisions. After a seven-year stint in Colorado working with the City of Boulder Department of Open Space, Jon returned to Vermont and joined VLT in 1998. During sugaring season you will find Jon operating the family maple business in the NEK.

Email
(802) 262-1215

Kerry O’Brien

Project Director

Kerry serves as a Project Director for the Northeast Kingdom covering stewardship and new conservation projects in the area. She joined VLT in 2021 after 17 years of working with landowners and communities in the water quality sector. Kerry is a key contact for conserved landowners in the NEK and for those interested in conserving community lands, forestland, or river corridors. She holds a BA in Sociology and a MA in Conservation Policy. Outside of work, she loves to get out on the water and enjoy the garden and trails at home with her family.

Email
(802) 535-6502

Kyle Birrer

ECO AmeriCorps Riparian Forest Coordinator

Kyle serves as the Riparian Forest Coordinator through ECO AmeriCorps, a role focused on enhancing water quality, flood resilience, and ecological health on conserved lands through tree plantings along critical waterways. He graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Environmental Studies and recently completed a GIS Certificate through Penn State University. When not in the field or at the office, Kyle can be found riding his bike or cooking elaborate meals.

Email
(609) 216-5955

Lynn Ellen Schimoler

Vice President of Operations

Lynn Ellen keeps VLT running smoothly by leading our operations: information technology, finance and human resources teams. She came to VLT from the Agency of Agriculture’s Working Lands Enterprise Board. While there, she increased investments into working lands, implemented governance practices, and served as a legislative liaison. Her work connected farms, food, and forest business with assistance and funding. Prior, Lynn Ellen collaborated on food co-op expansions with the National Cooperatives Grocer, and directed purchasing at Onion River Co-op. She’s an advisor to the Women in Leadership Program at the University of Vermont and serves on the board of the Real Organic Project. If she is not in the office, she is walking (or dancing) in the woods, watching Lacrosse or chasing after her two kids.

Email
(802) 262-1226

Maria Brosseau

Legal Project Manager

Maria focuses her time on Orleans, Essex, Caledonia, Orange, and Bennington counties, where she collaborates with landowners, communities, and VLT staff on the legal aspects of land conservation. She joined VLT in 2023 after several years in the political and legal fields. Born and raised in the Northeast Kingdom, Maria enjoys spending time exploring the beautiful state and working on her creative endeavors.

Email
(802) 262-1217

Maggie Donin

Farmland Access Director

Maggie leads our support of successful farmland transfers and helps the next generation of farmers get a farm of their own. She joined VLT in 2019 with expertise in farm business planning and years of experience working on farms. Maggie is the person to contact if you are a beginning farmer seeking land, or you are a farm service provider interested in partnering with us. When not out on the land for VLT, Maggie can be found exploring the Green Mountains with her husband and their red heeler named Hosmer.

Email
(802) 861-6555

Maggie Herrick

Bookkeeper

Maggie is responsible for a variety of accounting, operational, and human resources-related activities. She joined VLT in 2023 after a decade in operations roles at forward-thinking organizations within the food sector. Maggie is the person to contact if you have general accounting or human resource questions. When she’s not managing internal accounting processes, or building strong relationships with our vendors, you can find her tending to her homestead garden, cooking family meals, or learning about and practicing herbal medicine making.

Email
(802) 262-1213

Maya Sutton-Smith

Events Manager

Maya manages events for VLT in collaboration with colleagues and community partners. She joined us in 2021 after coordinating events and scheduling for Senator Bernie Sanders and the Vermont Legislature. Maya is the person to contact if you have questions about VLT events or sponsorships. When she’s not running virtual webinars or managing event logistics, you can find her on the land taking care of her small flock of sheep.

Email
(802) 377-2725

Mead Binhammer

Project Director

As a Project Director, Mead works to steward and conserve lands throughout central Vermont. Mead has a background in land stewardship and wildlife biology, and joined VLT in 2023 after working with The Trustees of Reservations in Massachusetts where he led a region-wide team focused on land management, ecological monitoring, and the continued protection of conserved lands. He enjoys exploring wild places in all seasons, whether hiking and running in summer, backcountry skiing in winter, or sitting quietly in spring to appreciate the cacophony of warbler migration.

Email
(802) 262-1225

Nadine Berrini

Communications Director

Nadine has been part of our communications team since 2007. Her work is focused on storytelling and digital outreach, including our email, social media, and this website. She strives to make nonprofit communication accessible. When not eradicating jargon, she enjoys gardening and relaxing in the Adirondack chairs at the VLT-conserved Shelburne Farms.

Email
(802) 760-9703

Pamela Burlingame

Project Director

Pam assists owners of conserved land with their conservation easements, land management decisions, and planning in southwestern Vermont. Originally from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Pam joined VLT in 2012 after serving in field, technical, and educational roles for farm and forest organizations in southern Vermont. Pam is the person to call with any questions regarding VLT-conserved properties in Rutland County, and portions of Addison and Bennington Counties. Outside of work, she plays the fiddle in a bluegrass band and likes to explore the hills and hollows of Poultney, where she lives with her husband and two daughters.

Email
(802) 345-0366

Rasna Dhillon

Communications Manager

Rasna works on the Communications and Development team, bringing stories from the land to our members and supporters through emails, publications, the press, and our website. She joined VLT in 2018 after 20 years as an editor and project manager in India, the UK, and the US. Rasna is the person to contact with general inquiries about VLT or storytelling opportunities. One of her favorite trails in Vermont winds around Osmore Pond, where the loons on the water and the mosses on the path command equal attention.

Email
(802) 262-1241

Rebecca Roman

Project Director

Rebecca is a Project Director for land conservation in Chittenden County and surrounding towns. She joined VLT in 2017 as an AmeriCorps member after graduating from UVM in Environmental Sciences, and joined the staff fulltime in 2019. Rebecca is the person to call with questions about your conservation easement, improving or selling your land, or Town land-management plans. She is a member of the Burlington Conservation Board, on the Board of the Association of VT Conservation Commissions, and serves on the New Leaders Council. Often on adventures with her dog Juniper, she enjoys hiking, biking, yoga and cooking big meals for friends.

Email
(802) 735-6731

Sumana Serchan

Project Director

Sumana joined VLT in 2016, after managing tree plantings for New York City and working on urban renewal projects in New Haven, CT. At VLT, she serves on the Land Protection team, supporting effective project management and ensuring that all grant requirements are met. When not at work, Sumana enjoys hiking, biking and playing with her daughter Oshin.

Email
(802) 371-8612

Sasha Vaut

Development Director

Sasha raises the funds needed to fulfill our mission. She’s responsible for membership, our annual fund, and works with community members to raise money for local projects. She enjoys lending her talents to the missions of organizations who better the lives of her community. Sasha joined VLT in 2023 after many years fundraising for arts in Vermont and healthcare in Boston. Contact Sasha if you would like to make a gift or learn more about your giving options. When she’s not raising money for a good cause, you can find her teaching horseback riding, listening to music, or hiking. She lives in Milton with her husband, her rescue dog, rescue cat, and rescue horse.

Email
(802) 262-1203

Tracy Zschau

President & CEO

Tracy serves as our Interim President and our Vice President of Land Protection. She first came to love Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom as a student at Sterling College, where she received a degree in Natural Resource Management. Tracy went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Science from Colby College and an master’s degree in Forestry from the University of Maine, Orono. Tracy joined VLT in 1997 and served as the Northeast Kingdom Regional Director prior to becoming the Conservation Director, and later Vice President. Tracy and her husband, Kurt, live in Johnsbury where they have raised two children. Tracy serves on the board of Passumpsic Savings Bank and is also a member of the St. Johnsbury Selectboard. Exploring the fields, forests, rivers and lakes of Vermont, in every season, brings her great joy.

Email
(802) 745-6301

Tucker Malone

Project Director

Tucker is a Project Director for northwestern Vermont, where he helps ensure the protection nearly 300 conserved properties in the area. He is an 8th-generation Vermonter who grew up on a small dairy farm in Franklin County. Tucker joined VLT in 2022 and is excited to serve the community he calls home. Contact him if you have questions about your conserved land in northwestern Vermont. Tucker is a sugarmaker and a horseman who raises and shows Belgian draft horses.

Email
(802) 582-9225

Tyler Miller

Vice President of Land Activation

Tyler is the Vice President of Land Activation, overseeing our efforts to strengthen communities and the health of our land. He joined VLT in 2006, first working directly with landowners, then later leading staff who ensure the ongoing protection of conserved land. He grew up in Grand Isle County, spending his childhood swimming and fishing in Lake Champlain. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and holds a master’s degree in resource management and administration from Antioch University. During his tenure, he has visited just about every nook and cranny of the state, meeting a lot of great people along the way. In his free time, Tyler is an avid gardener, woodworker, hiker, and cross-country skier.

Email
(802) 498-4908

Board of
Trustees

Bill Keeton Chair of UVM Forestry Program and Professor of Forest Ecology, Burlington

Abbie Corse Dairy farmer, Corse Dairy Farm, Whitingham

Carolyn Gilbert Senior Program and Partnership Development Associate, Population Media Center, Bennington

Charlie Hancock Forester, North Woods Forestry , Montgomery

Cheryl Morse Associate Professor, UVM Geography & Geo Sciences, Underhill

Hannah Sessions Owner/Operator, Blue Ledge Farm, Leicester

Jean Hamilton Director of Mission and Impact, Skinny Pancake, Plainfield

Jess Phelps Associate General Counsel, Lyme Timber Company, Norwich

John Kassel Partner (Retired), Dunkiel, Saunders, Elliott, Raubvogel & Hand, Burlington

John Laggis Dairy farmer, Laggis Brothers Farm, Hardwick

Maria Young Executive Director, NorthWoods Stewardship Center, West Glover

Meriwether Hardie President, Bio-Logical Capital, Denver, CO

Mike Donohue Employee Owner, Founder, Outdoor Gear Exchange, Richmond

Ramsey Luhr President, Founding Partner, Maple Capital Management, Montpelier

Let Us Find the Best Person to Contact

Step 1 of 3: What town is your land in?

Step 2 of 3: Is the land already conserved with Vermont Land Trust?

Step 3 of 3: Is your question about forestland?

Step 3 of 3: Are you contacting us about farmland?

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Our Team

Protecting Vermont from the ground up, one person at a time.

Board of Trustees

Let Us Find the Best Person to Contact

Your Local Representative

Together, we're protecting Vermont from the ground up!

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Board of
Trustees