Please join us in thanking Barry Mitzman and Ben Wilson, who both recently stepped down from the Land Trust’s Board of Directors, for their years of service.
Barry Mitzman
“We’re so glad that Ben and Barry each shared their time, talents, and perspectives with the Land Trust,” said Richard Tucker, Executive Director. “We sincerely thank them both for their commitment over the years.”
Barry exits the Board having served out his full term of six years. He joined the Board in the fall of 2019 because, he says, he “enthusiastically supports the Land Trust’s mission.”
“The mission is awesome,” he says. “But the Land Trust team is even more so, if that’s possible. It’s been fascinating to witness, up close, such a high-functioning organization, such a great team of accomplished professionals working in concert toward worthy goals — and achieving them!”
Barry brought a strong background from his award-winning career in journalism and strategic communications to the Land Trust. His enduring contributions to the organization were deeply impactful, including providing insight into the Strategic Vision Framework for Chimacum Ridge Community Forest and serving on our Look to the Land capital campaign steering committee.
“We appreciated Barry’s communication skills and his assistance on many projects,” says Richard. “He was instrumental in helping with messaging. He was a committed Board member, and we all really appreciated his enthusiasm during his service.”
“It’s been totally inspiring and a great pleasure,” Barry says. “Thank you, everyone!”
Ben joined the Board in August of 2023. “I believe in the Land Trust’s mission and, as a person of color, I thought I could bring a fresh perspective to land conservation,” he says.
Ben Wilson
Ben certainly accomplished this goal. He served on the Community Accountability Committee, and was very involved in supporting our Buy-Protect-Sell projects. He also served on the Strategic Planning and Technology committees.
Ben says, “I’ve served on multiple nonprofit boards in Port Townsend and in California where I spent most of my life. My observation was that Jefferson Land Trust is one of the best run nonprofits for which I served. I thought the relationship between the staff and Board was super productive.”
“Ben brought new and valued perspectives to the Land Trust,” Richard shares. “We appreciated his efforts to build bridges within our community, as well as his enthusiasm for our mission, and we wish him success in his new endeavors.”
“As government regulations to protect our environment are dismantled, the private mechanisms that the Land Trust employs become so much more important,” Ben says. “It is inspiring to see the faith the community puts in the Land Trust as a result of building trust over many years.”
Thank you, Ben and Barry!
Every year, hundreds of volunteers donate thousands of hours to help us achieve our mission. They help us care for dozens of Land Trust preserves; share stunning photography and artwork; pitch in at events and field trips; and help us with office projects, grant writing, maintaining equipment, and much, much more.
And some volunteers like Barry and Ben serve in a leadership role on important committees, task forces, advisory groups, and on our board and the boards of our subsidiary organizations.
Jefferson Land Trust is always happy to welcome new volunteers and to deepen the engagement of long-time volunteers.
If you’re interested in getting involved as a volunteer at a leadership level, by serving on a committee, advisory group, task force, or even one of our boards, please contact Board President Jane Guiltinan or Executive Director Richard Tucker by emailing info[at]saveland.org. They’ll be glad to meet with you and discuss the wide variety of options available for leadership volunteers, and to help find the right fit for your interests and skillset.
