Champlain Area Trails (CATS), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving land and developing trails in the Champlain Valley of New York, has announced the start of its search today to replace its founding Executive Director, Chris Maron, who will retire at the end of 2024. To ensure a seamless transition and continue the legacy of impactful conservation work, Dan Keegan, the current board chair, will spearhead this effort with the support of a dedicated search committee.

“Chris Maron’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Champlain Area Trails into what it is today. While we recognize that his shoes are impossible to fill, we are committed to finding a leader who will build upon his remarkable legacy and guide us toward our long-term vision,” stated Dan Keegan. The organization seeks a candidate with leadership qualities, land conservation experience, a profound love for nature, and CATS’s mission of saving land and making trails.

Founded in 2009 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, CATS has advanced its mission by developing 98 miles of trails and conserving over 998 acres of land in the Champlain Valley. As an accredited land trust, CATS’s efforts have enhanced recreational opportunities, increased public access to nature, and contributed significantly to the region’s economic vitality.

The Champlain Valley, nestled in the eastern part of the Adirondack Park in New York, features a beautiful landscape of forests, farms, historical towns, and panoramic views. Because the Champlain Valley was the last part added to the Adirondack Park, the area had little public land and, until CATS began, few hiking trails. CATS’s work has been pivotal in addressing these challenges, fostering community connections, and promoting environmental stewardship.

The search for a new Executive Director comes at a time when CATS is poised for growth. The organization seeks to expand its impact on land conservation, trail development, and community engagement. To advance its mission, the organization partners with a wide array of stakeholders, including private landowners, local towns, conservation groups, and community members.

Interested candidates and those seeking more information about the position can visit the organization’s website at www.champlainareatrails.com.

During this leadership transition, Champlain Area Trails looks forward to continuing its significant contributions to the community and the environment by connecting people with nature, conserving vital landscapes, and enhancing the quality of life in the Champlain Valley.