Gay Mills, Genesee Land Trust Executive Director, recently announced her plans to retire in early 2023.
Gay first started volunteering with Genesee Land Trust in 1990. She then became a board member and was named Executive Director in 1998. Since then, the staff has grown from just Gay to 11 talented, dedicated people with a broad expertise and experience.
“It was not an easy decision, but it feels like the right time for me and for Genesee Land Trust. The organization has tremendous momentum, a terrific staff and a thriving membership,” Gay said. “I’m so proud of all we’ve achieved together over the years.”
Genesee Land Trust staff in May 2022. Missing from photo is Will Macaluso.
During Gay’s time with Genesee Land Trust:
· More than 6,000 acres of land has been permanently protected in the region.
· Genesee Land Trust has created 17 public preserves, including one along Salmon Creek in Parma to be opened on September 24.
· 18 family farms are protected as working farms to ensure they continue to grow food, not houses.
· 10 additional farm protection projects are currently funded by NY State and are underway.
· We built Conkey Corner Park as a community gathering spot and gateway to El Camino.
· We partnered with the City to develop the Thomas R. Frey Trail at El Camino.
· We spearheaded Save the Glen with individuals and the Town of Brighton to create Corbett’s Glen Nature Park.
· We raised the funds to protect Alasa Farms – our largest project of 627 acres – in a preservation partnership with Cracker Box Palace.
· Thousands of people have visited our properties, joined us for a walk, a talk or a special event.
· The Environmental Ambassador youth workforce development program, started in 2012, has trained and employed more than 100 Rochester youth.
· In 2019, we launched the Genesee River Alliance focused on the River in the City of Rochester.
· A new 10-year Strategic Conservation Plan will be completed in fall 2022 to shape the projects of the next decade and beyond.
An ad hoc transition committee - including Gay, Board members, and staff – has been formed to lead the search for a new Executive Director. Given the competitive hiring market, the importance of this role, and our commitment to diversity and equitable hiring practices, Genesee Land Trust has retained an executive recruiter to help with the search. There are no internal candidates at this time.
A job listing will be posted soon. If you are interested in the position, or would like to make a recommendation, please contact Ad Hoc Search Committee Chair and incoming President of the Board Mary Hadley at maryahadley@gmail.com or 585-530-7592.