Forest Society of Maine names new executive director
Courtesy / Forest Society of Maine
Karin Tilberg
Karin Tilberg has been named the new executive director of the Forest Society of Maine. The appointment, announced on Dec. 20, became became effective after the Dec. 6 board meeting.
The Bangor-based organization is a land trust that focuses on conserving forest land throughout Maine’s North Woods. It promotes the conservation of functional, working forest landscapes with multiple social and ecological values.
Tilberg, the organization’s deputy director since 2011, had been serving as interim director since the death in August of Alan Hutchinson, who was 70.
In acreage, the organization is the nation’s fourth-largest land trust, according to the Portland Press Herald, which cited Land Trust Alliance research.
Hutchinson was hired in 1997 as the organization’s first executive director and first official employee. He is credited with growing the Forest Society into one of the nation’s top land trusts and helping it to conserve more than one million acres of forestland.
“I am dedicated to building on the strong foundation created by my predecessor and inspiring conservation leader, Alan Hutchinson,” Tilberg said in a statement.
“This new role will give me the chance to further the mission of the Forest Society of Maine, and to reach out to all who have a connection to Maine’s North Woods — whether it be through land ownership, work, research or recreation,” she added.
Tilberg has served as the organization’s deputy executive director since 2011 to oversee its expanded presence in the Moosehead Lake region and to work with forest owners to design and implement conservation projects.
In her new role as executive director, she will oversee the entire organization and help guide its continued growth as Maine’s land trust for the North Woods.
She earned a bachelor of science degree in wildlife biology from the University of Vermont and law degree from the University of Maine School of Law. Before joining FSM, she worked in state government as deputy commissioner of the Department of Conservation and as senior adviser for then-Gov. John Baldacci.
George Jacobson, FSM’s board president, commended Tilberg for her “keen awareness of the struggles, challenges and opportunities facing forestland owners and communities in the North Woods.”
He added: “She has worked with businesses, local leaders, outdoor organizations, and others in designing and completing complex conservation projects intended to enhance public access, fish and wildlife habitat, and sustainable forestry.”
Jim Robbins Sr., retired president of Robbins Lumber, also paid homage to Tilberg in Wednesday’s announcement: “Karin Tilberg has a great conservation background and we are sure she will provide continued great leadership to FSM in the future. We are excited about her appointment and look forward to working with her.”
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