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Dear Land Trust Friends and Supporters,

It is with bittersweet emotion that I announce our Executive Director, Aaron Lefland, will be leaving the Land Trust later this month. Aaron will become the new Deputy Director of the Connecticut Land Conservation Council, based in Middletown.

Aaron joined the Land Trust in the spring of 2017, and in those five years, has helped transform and invigorate this organization. He has led us to many milestones and accomplishments, including becoming nationally accredited, ushering in a new strategic plan and first-ever strategic conservation plan, and more than doubling our membership. Aaron has also been the force behind many of the important strategic partnerships the Land Trust has established, and the many community engagement efforts that we are able to offer.

Behind the scenes, Aaron has been a jack of all trades. He is responsible for much of the excellent communication that you all receive, helps plan and implement land stewardship and conservation projects, and has improved operations and organizational processes. And holding true to his forestry roots, he has always been at the ready with a chainsaw, should a fallen tree block one of the trails.

Fortunately, we are not losing Aaron entirely, as his new role will see him working with land trusts from across the state. At CLCC, he will develop programs and facilitate partnerships that strengthen Land Trusts and ensure they can carry out their shared mission of protecting land in perpetuity. We look forward to having Aaron as a resource and advisor as we continue our work here, in New Canaan.

Aaron will continue to work for us until May, as we begin the process of evaluating and hiring a new Executive Director. Aaron leaves the Land Trust in a very strong position for continued growth and success. We sincerely thank him for his contribution and leadership, and wish him the best of luck and opportunities in his future endeavors.

When you have the chance, please congratulate Aaron on this exciting career opportunity!

Regards,
Tom Cronin
Board President
New Canaan Land Trust