Release Date: April 29, 2021

BEDFORD HILLS, NY—Westchester Land Trust (WLT), a land conservation organization headquartered in Bedford Hills, NY, announced new appointments to its leadership team. Marc Weisenfreund of Pound Ridge has joined WLT’s Board of Directors and Jocelyn Ffriend of New Rochelle has joined the Advisory Board. The new members will support the nationally accredited organization’s efforts to protect land, increase access to open space, and strengthen local food systems.

“Marc and Jocelyn are incredibly talented additions to our leadership, with valuable experience in legal issues, investing and finance, entrepreneurship, and community organizing,” said Bruce Churchill, Chairman of the WLT. “We’re thrilled to have their support as we continue to transform our work to reach a wider audience and increase our impact.”

Marc Weisenfreund is a resident of Pound Ridge and longtime supporter of WLT. He is looking forward to using his legal, investment, and entrepreneurial experience to advance land conservation in Westchester and Putnam counties. Mr. Weisenfreund is also interested in focusing on WLT’s support of the Biden Administration’s ‘30×30’ plan, as well as the organization’s collaborative work with other conservation organizations. In addition to WLT’s Board, Mr. Weisenfreund serves on the Board of Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester, Pound Ridge Housing Board, and was the founding president of the New York State Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs.

“By supporting WLT we are investing for a lifetime,” Mr. Weisenfreund said, adding that his  inspiration for becoming involved with WLT was based on a quote from by Chinese philosopher Guan Zhong (720–645 BCE) that states, “The best investment for one year is to grow grains; the best investment for ten years is to grow trees; the best investment for a lifetime is to educate  people.”

Jocelyn Ffriend is a resident of New Rochelle with a passion for holistic healing and community organizing. She is looking forward to focusing on agricultural and cultural easements and making a difference by combatting oppressions, advancing racial equity, and encouraging connections with nature. Ms. Ffriend is a member of the New Rochelle Against Racism coalition, a Tantra coach, and a financial advisor.

“I’ve always been drawn to the land and have a profound appreciation of what it has to offer,” Ms. Ffriend said. Noting the importance of collaboration, Ms. Friend added, “If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together. I’m excited to support WLT’s food justice work and to help ensure that all in our communities have access to green spaces for years to come”

Mr. Weisenfreund and Ms. Ffriend will work alongside other members of the Board of Directors and Advisory Board to serve as the governing bodies of the organization, overseeing policies, fiscal and strategic planning, and supporting WLT’s commitment to creating a brighter future.