A familiar face with a new role!
The Keweenaw Land Trust is delighted to announce that after a robust, national search, B Lauer will step into the role of Executive Director in January 2025. B is currently the Communications and Program Specialist at KLT, and the Board is thrilled that she will bring the energy and enthusiasm that has marked her time on the KLT staff to her position as Executive Director.
The search committee included two former Board presidents, three members of the Executive Committee, and one at-large member with extensive Land Trust Alliance experience. They conducted a national search and were pleased to receive applications from many highly qualified candidates, including several with substantial land trust experience. After five initial remote interviews and three in-person interviews with finalists, the KLT Board was unanimous and enthusiastic in its decision to offer B Lauer the position.
B has an impressive range of experience, with expertise in resource management, environmental policy, and communication. She holds a BA in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Studies from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and an MA in Communication and Journalism, specializing in Conservation Practice, from the University of Maine. B’s early work in biophysical sciences saw her contributing to biogeochemistry and ecology research at the University of Minnesota. She later worked in water resource management for both a nonprofit and local government agency in the Twin Cities Metro Area. Her graduate research focused on coastal access challenges for wild clam harvesters in Maine, leading to the formation of a statewide working group and significant policy changes.
B moved to the Keweenaw in the fall of 2023 and fell in love with the area and community. She was introduced to KLT by her brother, a long-time volunteer for the organization. After two months of volunteering, she was offered a more permanent position on staff. During her time at KLT, B has successfully secured several grants and expanded KLT’s visibility through enhanced communications, community outreach, and programming. As Executive Director, she aims to help KLT achieve its mission while building organizational resilience, relevance, and reflexivity.
B is enthusiastic about building on her work in the Keweenaw Peninsula and Western Upper Peninsula alongside KLT’s dedicated staff, Board, members, volunteers, and partners.