The Ausbon Sargent board and staff are pleased to announce the arrival of incoming Executive Director, Ben Wallace. Ben comes to Ausbon Sargent after 22 years of working in the land protection business. He has worked in stewardship, program and organizational management, project fundraising, policy, regulation, and environmental science.

Ben said that he is thrilled to move from California to New Hampshire with his family and is excited about joining the land trust community. 

He shared that as a frequent visitor of his grandparents in Elkins, he grew up hiking, swimming, canoeing, skiing, and snowshoeing in the Mt. Kearsarge/Ragged/Lake Sunapee region and has a deep appreciation for the work ASLPT has done to protect its rural character. He looks forward to working with the Board, staff, volunteers, and easement partners to preserve the beautiful farms, woodlands, and watersheds in the place he calls home.

Ben's wife, Julie Paulson, is a scholar of English literature and disability studies. They are both delighted to give their children the opportunity to experience four seasons.

Debbie Stanley, retiring Executive Director, said she is pleased that there is an eight-week period to train and help acclimate Ben to the position, insuring a smooth transition.