Lindsey Ketchel Named SVT Executive Director
The SVT Board of Directors have appointed Lindsey Ketchel as our next executive director. Lindsey replaces Lisa Vernegaard, who is retiring at the end of July.
“After a nationwide search produced an impressive and diverse pool of candidates, the SVT Board of Directors is very excited to welcome Lindsey Ketchel as our next executive director,” said Karin Paquin, SVT Board President. “Lindsey is an accomplished land trust leader with a deep commitment to land protection and a genuine, open, and thoughtful approach when interacting with people.”
For over 25 years, Lindsey has worked in the fields of land conservation, environmental advocacy, sustainable agriculture, and climate resiliency. She comes to SVT from the Landmark Conservancy Land Trust in Northwest Wisconsin, where she served as executive director and focused on aquatic habitat protection in an area that includes the Lake Superior watershed, the St. Croix River, and the Mississippi Bluff & Driftless region.
Previously, she served as executive director of two other conservation organizations: the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation in Minnesota and the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council. Earlier in her career, Lindsey focused on sustainable food systems in Vermont and served as Director of Agriculture at the Intervale Center in Burlington.
Lindsey commented, “I am so honored to be joining SVT at this critical time in conservation and land protection work. I'm excited by the chance to build on the existing protection strategy to protect additional resilient landscapes.
“I have been impressed by the dedication of both the board and the staff, and I'm looking forward to meeting all of SVT's wonderful volunteers and partners. As I absorb the amazing history of SVT, I can't wait to meet the folks and families who have made such a remarkable impact in the region.”
Karin Paquin added, “The board and staff look forward to working with Lindsey to build on the many accomplishments made under Lisa Vernegaard’s leadership. We are confident Lindsey will be a great leader for SVT’s next chapter.”
Lindsey will assume her responsibilities as executive director on July 17. SVT members are invited to meet her at our Annual Ice Cream Social on July 26.