Our Staff
We’d love to hear from you!
Columbia Land Conservancy
49 Main Street
Chatham, NY 12037
Phone: 518.392.5252
Fax: 518.392.3099
Email: info@clctrust.org
To email a specific staff person, email firstname.lastname@clctrust.org
Peter Paden
Executive Director
Peter has been Executive Director since February 1, 2007. Prior to that time, he practiced law in New York City Continue reading “Peter Paden”
Heidi Bock
Conservation Education Manager
Heidi is a native of Columbia County and joined CLC in June 2006. She has always been amazed at the beauty Continue reading “Heidi Bock”
Doug Brown
Public Lands Manager
Doug joined CLC in March 2019. He has been involved in stewardship and land management at land trusts in New Continue reading “Doug Brown”
Whitney Bushey
Public Lands Steward
Whitney joined CLC in June 2017 as a Public Lands Steward. She grew up roaming New England’s woods, lakes Continue reading “Whitney Bushey”
Sam Calhoun
FARM Program Intern
Sam joined CLC in June of 2019 as the FARM program intern. He has a B.A. in Psychology from Ithaca College, Continue reading “Sam Calhoun”
Marissa Codey
Director of Agricultural Programs
Marissa began working at CLC in October 2003. Her interest in the land conservation field has Continue reading “Marissa Codey”
Tom Crowell
Special Projects Manager
Tom has been with CLC since 1999. During his first six years at CLC, Tom was a Senior Land Protection Manager. Tom chose to work in Continue reading “Tom Crowell”
Terence Duvall
FARM Program Coordinator
Terence began working at CLC in November 2015. He is excited to work with a team of people dedicated to maintaining this beautiful Continue reading “Terence Duvall”
Arianna Ferrario
Conservation Easement Stewardship Assistant
Arianna joined CLC in November 2018 as a Conservation Easement Stewardship Assistant. Continue reading “Arianna Ferrario”
Jessica Holmes
Director of Operations
Jessica joined the CLC staff in October 2005, and loves being part of achieving CLC’s mission. She especially Continue reading “Jessica Holmes”
Rachel Hoppins
Development Coordinator
Rachel joined CLC in April of 2019. Coming originally from the Kansas flatlands, she find the rolling hills and lush Continue reading “Rachel Hoppins”
John Horton
Volunteer Programs Coordinator & Public Lands Steward
John joined the CLC team in October 2015. John’s interest in land conservation Continue reading “John Horton”
Beth H. Mills, Ph.D.
Director of Conservation Programs
Beth joined the staff at CLC in July 2017 after working for many years in New Mexico where her focus was on Continue reading “Beth H. Mills, Ph.D.”
Katherine Pinkowski
Operations & Outreach Associate
Katherine grew up exploring nature in Columbia County, and has a passion for local conservation and wildlife. Continue reading “Katherine Pinkowski”
Nicholas Pitel
Conservation Projects Manager
Nick joined CLC in September 2019. He previously worked to help protect agricultural land in Massachusetts and Continue reading “Nicholas Pitel”
Hannah Smith Schiller
Education & Outreach Assistant
Hannah has a deep passion and enthusiasm for ecology and the natural world. She has a BA in Anthropology Continue reading “Hannah Smith Schiller”
Paul Stathis
Public Land Steward
Paul joined CLC in January of 2020. He is excited to explore and conserve the land of Columbia County. Continue reading “Paul Stathis”
Christine Vanderlan
Community Projects Manager
Christine became part of the CLC team in January 2014, and helps towns and municipalities conserve natural Continue reading “Christine Vanderlan”
Rebecca Walker
Communications & Grants Manager
Rebecca grew up in a rural environment tromping the hills and valleys of Northwestern Pennsylvania, and uses her Continue reading “Rebecca Walker”
Craig Westcott
Director of Philanthropy
In partnership with staff and board colleagues, Craig nurtures relationships and raises philanthropic support for CLC Continue reading “Craig Westcott”
Christopher Young
Stewardship & GIS Coordinator
Chris joined the CLC staff in June 2016. A Columbia County native, the wonders of nature fostered a deep respect in him for Continue reading “Christopher Young”
