Meet our Team
Executive Director, Mark King
Mark joined the Conservancy as Executive Director in 2013, but his history of involvement with the organization goes back much further. As one of the organization’s founding board members in 1992, he has had a hand in many of the organization’s conservation successes. Mark’s early work with the Land Conservancy led to a 17-year career with The Nature Conservancy as Director of Land Protection for the Eastern New York Chapter. Before working for The Nature Conservancy he was a Senior Natural Resource Planner with Albany County. Mark began his career working for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation helping with the State’s Bald Eagle reintroduction program. A life-long resident of the Capital District, Mark is passionate about sharing an appreciation for the natural beauty of the area by helping to conserve our open spaces.
Email: mark@mohawkhudson.org
Development and Marketing
Development and Community Engagement Director, Tara Tornello
Tara joined the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy in September 2021 as the Development & Community Engagement Director. She holds a BA in English from Mount Saint Mary College and brings with her 18 years of experience in marketing, fundraising, event planning, and project management. Her passion for environmental conservation brought her to MHLC, where she is committed to advancing the mission of the organization and building meaningful relationships within the community. In addition to serving as a volunteer Preserve Steward for the Keleher Preserve, Tara enjoys hiking, fly fishing, cooking, baking, and photography.
Email: tara@mohawkhudson.org
Communications and Outreach Coordinator, Carrie Stickan
Carrie joined the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy in 2019 as Communications and Outreach Coordinator. After moving to Delmar with her family in 2014, Carrie worked as a Marketing, Communications, and Design consultant for the System Dynamics Society in Albany. Before that, she worked for several Chicago-area non-profit organizations, including the John G. Shedd Aquarium, the International Museum of Surgical Science, and the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust. Carrie holds a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and began her career as an illustrator, freelance artist, and art instructor. In her free time, Carrie loves to draw, garden, and spend time outdoors.
Email: carrie@mohawkhudson.org
Conservation and Stewardship
Conservation Director, Sarah Walsh
Sarah is the Conservation Director for MHLC, responsible for oversight of land stewardship and assisting with property acquisitions. Sarah brings nearly ten years’ experience in habitat restoration initiatives for bird habitat, riparian and wetland areas as well as experience in the protection of conservation lands, non-profit program development, and trail planning. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science from SUNY ESF and her Master’s degree in Science Education from the University of Albany in 2012. Sarah is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys back-country skiing, mountain biking, hiking, paddling, sailing, and bird watching.
Email: sarah@mohawkhudson.org
Stewardship Coordinator, Kent Harlow
Kent joined MHLC as the Stewardship Coordinator in the summer of 2019. Kent earned a degree in Wildlife and Conservation Biology from the University of New Hampshire in 2013 and brings with him a variety of experiences in education, leadership, and AmeriCorps programs throughout New England. His background ranges from leading Youth Conservation Corps Crews in Vermont and Virginia to growing school garden programs in Maine. Born and raised in Schenectady County, he is very excited to be back home to run, hike, and further explore the Capital Region.
Email: kent@mohawkhudson.org
Seasonal Stewardship Assistant, Bob Frederick
Bob joined MHLC in June of 2019 as our new part-time Stewardship Assistant. Bob will be coordinating our Preserve Stewards and the MHLC stewardship workdays. As a past Steward of the Keleher Preserve, Bob’s experience is an asset to this position. With a former career in higher education, Bob has coordinated hundreds of community events, trained staff, and volunteers, and led strategic planning processes for college departments and professional organizations. His professional background and strong leadership skills will serve the Stewardship team well!
Email: stewardship@mohawkhudson.org
Administration
Office Manager and Bookkeeper, Dana Burns
Dana joined the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy as Office Manager / Bookkeeper in February 2021. She brings over 25 years of experience in finance and bookkeeping in non-profits, education, retail, and agriculture. After graduating from the University at Buffalo, Dana spent 12 years living in and around New York City. A Capital District resident since 2001, she enjoys hiking locally and in the Adirondacks, skiing, kayaking, organic gardening, and vegetarian cooking.
Email: dana@mohawkhudson.org
Board of Directors
Sarah Carroll, Chair
Claiborne Walthall, Vice Chair
Elliott Shaw, Treasurer
Bill Little, Secretary
Lise Bang-Jensen
Joel Bartfield
Ruth Bonn
Alyson Brody
Clifford Erickson
Sandra Geisinger
Charles Kruzansky
Dan Lewis
Allie Middleton
Ashok Ramasubramanian
Lonnie Threatte
Katherine Marsh Wolfram
Advisory Board
Peggy Sherman, Chair
Carol Ash
Charles Buchanan
Ginny Carter
Christopher Gorka
Jeff Jones
Cathie Love
Chuck Manning
Felton McLaughlin
Stewart Myers
Ellie Prakken
Ted Putney
Mike Sterthous
Peter Ten Eyck
Maggie Vinciguerra
Val Washington
