Winnakee Land Trust Welcomes
New Executive Director, Gregg Swanzey
Winnakee Land Trust is pleased to announce Gregg Swanzey as their new Executive Director. A longtime advocate for education and the environment, Gregg first launched his career in the early 80’s as Captain of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. Since then, he has crossed the Atlantic three times as captain of the Tall Ship Te Vega and served as Executive Director for a gubernatorially appointed Commission in Massachusetts.
Gregg is a resident of Kingston where he has served on the Board of the Kingston Land Trust and the Ashokan Center, as a founding member of the Kingston Conservation Advisory Council, and appointed member of the Ulster County Planning Board. He previously worked for Mohonk Preserve in grants management and corporate relations and is coming off four years as Director of Economic Development and Strategic Partnerships for the City of Kingston.
Gregg holds an undergraduate degree in natural resources from Cornell University and a master’s degree in business administration from UMASS Dartmouth. “I am thrilled to join the team at Winnakee Land Trust and advance our mission of preserving and protecting the natural, scenic and recreational resources of the towns and villages of northern Dutchess County through conservation, open space, trails and farmland preservation,” he said, “I am so impressed with the work Winnakee has been doing and pleased to see that the organization has been a leader amongst land trusts in successfully seeking accreditation.”
It is with regret that Winnakee Land Trust also announces the resignation of their former Executive Director, Lucy Hayden. For over a decade, Lucy dedicated all of her time, energy, and heart to the organization. Winnakee President Sally Mazzarella said, “Lucy’s commitment to land preservation was extraordinary. She set a high standard for our organization and will be missed by all.”
