Appalachian Mountain Club Bolsters Leadership Team with Key Appointments of Two Conservation Leaders

Former Westchester Land Trust President Kara Hartigan Whelan to join the organization as Vice President of Conservation alongside forestry scientist Dr. Nicole Rogers as Director of Land Management

BOSTON, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) today announced the appointment of two key conservation leaders to its executive and stewardship teams: Kara Hartigan Whelan as Vice President of Conservation and Dr. Nicole Rogers as Director of Land Management. The additions advance AMC's longstanding commitment to fostering outdoor access, expanding regional conservation impact, and responsibly stewarding its lands.

Kara Hartigan Whelan will assume the role of Vice President of Conservation on December 1, leading AMC's regional conservation policies, trail systems, land protection initiatives, research, and stewardship across urban and rural landscapes. Whelan joins the organization following a 15-year tenure at Westchester Land Trust, where she most recently served as President. An accomplished executive with proven success in operations, fundraising, and cross-sector coalition building, Whelan is widely recognized for her leadership in urban conservation and community-based environmental protection—earning her recognition as a 2025 CNN Champion for Change.

"I'm thrilled to be joining the Appalachian Mountain Club at such a pivotal moment," said Kara Hartigan Whelan. "Throughout my career, I have worked to connect communities with the outdoors and ensure land protection efforts serve diverse populations across both urban and rural regions. AMC has an extraordinary legacy of advocacy, trail stewardship, and land protection. I look forward to working directly with staff, volunteers, and local partners to continue building an outdoor community that is welcoming and accessible to all."

"Kara's leadership over the past 15 years has left a lasting impact at Westchester Land Trust and the communities we serve," said George Bianco, former Board Chair and current Advisory Board Chair at Westchester Land Trust. "Kara's talent for land preservation extends well beyond her passion for open space and the beauty of nature. From expanding urban conservation partnerships to championing accessible open spaces, her true inspiration comes from connecting people with nature. We wish Kara all the best as she enters this new role at the Appalachian Mountain Club, where she will bring her dedication and expertise to advance conservation and enrich communities across the Northeast."

Dr. Nicole Rogers recently joined as Director of Land Management. In this newly created position, Dr. Rogers is responsible for the stewardship of all AMC-owned properties, including the AMC Maine Woods initiative. Dr. Rogers brings a breadth of scientific expertise with a Ph.D. in silviculture and joins AMC from the Maine Forest Service, having collaborated closely with AMC for years to enhance forest management and protection.

"I'm delighted to welcome Kara and Nicole to our team at AMC," said Nicole Zussman, President & CEO of the Appalachian Mountain Club. "Our mission at AMC is not only to protect the outdoors, but to ensure that everyone feels welcome in the outdoors. Kara's remarkable track record in community-focused conservation and Nicole's deep-rooted expertise in sustainable stewardship give us the leadership needed to expand our impact and care for the outdoors for generations to come."

These appointments underscore AMC's continued commitment to land protection, community engagement, climate resilience, and access to the outdoors across the organization's footprint and beyond.

About the Appalachian Mountain Club
The mission of the Appalachian Mountain Club is to foster the protection, enjoyment and understanding of the outdoors. AMC is a community of more than 90,000 adventurers, advocates, and nature enthusiasts whose passion for the outdoors knows no bounds. From Maine to Virginia, we connect people with nature—and with each other. Learn more at outdoors.org.

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SOURCE Appalachian Mountain Club