Johnson stepping down as executive director of Gallatin Valley Land Trust
After five years at the helm, Gallatin Valley Land Trust executive director Stephen Johnson is stepping down.
Over the years I had the chance to work with Stephen on a number of occasions. His enthusiasm for conservation and his work to enhance Bozeman’s Main Street to the Mountains Trail System has made a huge impact on the community’s access to open spaces and recreational opportunities.
“I have worked in an administrative role for 20 years,” Johnson said. “I’m looking to shift up my life in this work.”
Johnson said that while his future is undecided he’d like to get back to the basics working on the ground with landowners and county commissioners to help secure open lands and recreational opportunities.
During Johnson’s tenure, GVLT conserved more than 11,000 acres of land with families around Southwest Montana through grants, conservation easements and other agreements. During that same time the Main Street to the Mountains Trail System, which links downtown Bozeman to the Bridger and Gallatin mountains providing hiking, cycling and walking opportunities for thousand of residents, grew by more than 15 miles in length.
“Stephen has brought great organization, a high degree of professionalism and strong leadership skills to GVLT,” ” said Micheline Bisaillon, president of GVLT’s board of directors. “He really helped the organization grow and better serve the community.”
As executive director, Johnson led GVLT to become one of the first land trusts in the country accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.
“It has been exciting and immensely rewarding to lead GVLT at this pivotal time in its history,” Johnson said. “I have enjoyed meeting and working with landowners, community leaders and partner organizations – all dedicated to conserving the best of our region for current use and the benefit of future generations.”
Johnson’s time with the land trust will come to a close at the end of GVLT’s fiscal year in June. Kelly Pohl will assist Johnson and the board of director through the transition as managing director.
Pohl is a Bozeman native. She has worked with the land trust for four years in the role of land protection specialist.
Good luck, Stephen, in all your future endeavors.
GVLT Conservation Easement Map
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