Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is pleased to announce that Derek Rogers has been hired as the organization’s first Development Director.

Before moving to the Adirondacks earlier this year, Derek worked for The Nature Conservancy on Long Island for 11 years. He’s no stranger to the Champlain Valley though: he graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh, where he met his wife Elizabeth. They have a 14-month old daughter named Phoebe. They just bought a house on Willsboro Point and are already putting down roots.

A dedicated birder and ornithological expert, Derek participated in donor development and cultivation efforts for TNC including event coordination and guiding donor trips and programs to many parts of the world.

In his new position, Derek will play a major role in raising the funds for CATS to advance the organization’s mission to save land and make hiking trails that link communities, connect people with nature, and promote economic vitality.

“I’ve admired the work that CATS does for some time and I’m thrilled to help the organization grow and achieve its goals,” Derek said.  “I can hardly wait to hike all the trails and I’m especially pleased to help expand the programs into Clinton County and then into the southern part of the valley.”

The Development Director position was supported with funding from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) and New York’s Environmental Protection Fund. The NYSCPP is administered by the Land Trust Alliance, in coordination with the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

“As we pursue the goal of having hiking trails connect our towns, we’re grateful that this grant will help us move down that path,” says CATS Executive Director Chris Maron. “And we’re very happy to have someone with Derek’s skillset and interest join the staff. I think birders in the area will also rejoice!”

Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is a nonprofit organization that creates and maintains hiking and cross-country ski trails in the Champlain Valley, with the goal of linking communities, connecting people with nature and promoting economic vitality. CATS is also an accredited land trust working to conserve natural communities, farmland, clean water, and scenic vistas. Information on future CATS events and activities is available on the website at champlainareatrails.com and by following CATS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Please call (518) 962-2287 for more information.