As we head into the holiday season, I want to share some news for which we can all be grateful. On November 17th, Tom Sanford will return from medical leave to his role as Executive Director of the North Olympic Land Trust – a position he has held since 2012. As we celebrate his return, on behalf of the Land Trust staff and community, I want to extend immense thanks to Erika Lindholm for her leadership for the past six months!
In early May of this year, Tom was diagnosed with benign tumors in his spinal cord which required surgery and a lengthy recovery process. Thankfully, planning and foresight are a major part of what we do at the Land Trust. We had succession plan procedures in place for us to ensure that Tom could take the time to get the care he needed and that the organization would remain strong through that period.
With a robust background in financing conservation, Erika joined the Land Trust’s Board of directors in 2021. In 2023, Erika furthered her commitment to our mission by becoming Board president. She was serving in her second term as president when Tom needed to start his leave. Following Land Trust policy, Erika resigned from the Board and was appointed Acting Executive Director to support the organization in Tom’s absence.
Erika’s efforts in the Acting Executive Director role have been instrumental in supporting fundamental work of the Land Trust, including:
- Stewarding conserved lands and keeping beloved places like the Lyre Conservation Area open to the public with the help of our volunteers;
- Facilitating a successful 10th annual Family Picnic where were celebrated local conservation with over 175 supporters;
- Beginning the process to receive the organization’s largest land donations in its history – 161 acres of diverse working forest land south of 101 off of Blue Mountain Road (more on that soon);
- Connecting with our donors to ensure that revenue remains strong;
- Supporting ongoing programming to help our community connect with this amazing place such as native prairie education with North Olympic History Center and StoryWalks with North Olympic Library System;
- Raising over $60,000 at our 22nd annual Harvest Celebration fundraiser to bolster our conservation efforts!
“Erika’s ability to step in at a moment’s notice and be a steady guiding presence was simply invaluable. She knows the organization and our work so well, making her the perfect fit. We’ll miss her in the office, but we’re so grateful she’ll continue leadership as our Board president again.” said Mike Auger, Conservation Director.
Tom’s most dangerous tumor was removed shortly after his leave began, and he has been slowly but successfully recovering since. While Tom’s body continues to make tumors, the medication he is now taking will likely control, and hopefully stop, their growth. Tom has been working behind the scenes since late August while acclimating to the anemia-inducing side-effect of the medication. Now that he is used to his “new normal”, he is ready to transition back to the Executive Director role.
“I am deeply grateful to Erika for her invaluable contributions during these past months. As my health challenges became apparent in May, it was a tremendous relief to entrust her with my responsibilities. Her exceptional combination of strategic foresight, meticulous project management, and delightful personality made her the ideal choice. Beyond my gratitude for her support, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with her in the future in her role as Board President!” said Tom.
Erika was not alone in stepping up for the Land Trust. I’d also like to thank Wendy Clark-Getzin, who temporarily stepped in as Board president while Erika was serving as Acting Executive Director. With Tom’s return, Erika will resume her role as president and Wendy will return to her role as vice president of the board.
Lastly, I want to thank you for your steadfast support of the work of the Land Trust. Earlier this year, we hit a major milestone – nearly 4,000 acres of fish and wildlife habitat, working farms, and working forests across the region permanently protected by our community, including 26 farms. This work is truly only possible because of our community. Behind every single acre of conserved farmland or habitat, there is a landowner that chose to make a commitment to the future and supporters like you are the reason that we have the trust, confidence, and resources to make it happen. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Lexi Wagor
Community Relations Manager
lexi@northolympiclandtrust.org