(Left) Nanette Bourne, WLT Board Chair; (top center) Margie Lavender, Board Director; (top right) Amanda Victoria Mintz, Board Director; (bottom center) Alex Panlilio, Board Director; (bottom right) Tatiana Kaletsch, Board Director

Bedford Hills, NY—Westchester Land Trust (WLT), a nationally accredited land conservation nonprofit based in Bedford Hills, NY, announced a series of leadership transitions and new appointments to its Board of Directors and Advisory Board, marking an important new chapter for the organization as it continues to expand its land protection, stewardship, and community impact throughout Westchester and eastern Putnam counties.

Nanette Bourne, who previously served as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, has been appointed Chair of the Board, succeeding Bruce Churchill. Bourne joined the Board in 2012 and has served as the Chair of WLT’s Land Protection and Governance and Nominating committees, as well as being a strong presence at and supporter of the organization’s events.

“We are pleased to announce Nanette Bourne as our new Chair and believe her expertise in urban planning and environmental advocacy will be valuable as WLT expands its impact and reach,” said David Ansel, Chair of WLT’s Governance and Nominating Committee. “We thank Bruce Churchill for his leadership, which was defined by steadiness, thoughtfulness, and a deep dedication to Westchester Land Trust and its mission. Through moments of challenge, change, and opportunity, he led with calm, clarity, and trust, positioning our organization for continued growth. We are deeply grateful for Bruce’s extraordinary service and the strong foundation he built—one that will support the Board and staff for years to come.”

Churchill served as WLT’s Board Chair from 2016 to 2025 and was a Board Director from 2013 to 2016, guiding the organization through nearly a decade of growth, resilience, and transformative conservation work. At an event celebrating Churchill’s tenure, colleagues from the Board praised his many contributions to WLT’s successes including seeing the organization through accreditation with the Land Trust Alliance, advancing the protection of historical farmland, and growing the organization’s endowment.

Photo courtesy of Nanette Bourne

“I am honored to step into the role of Chair of the Westchester Land Trust,” said Nanette Bourne, Chair of the Board. “WLT is deeply fortunate to have an engaged and dedicated board united by a shared passion for advancing its mission—preserving Westchester’s beautiful and vital open spaces and protecting vulnerable land for future generations. This work is strengthened every day by the creativity, commitment, and tireless efforts of WLT’s staff, as well as the generosity and support of our community.”

In addition to Bourne’s appointment as Chair, Cliff Aronson, who has served on WLT’s Board of Directors since 2019 and has chaired the Investment Committee, has been named Vice Chair of the Board of Directors.

WLT extends its heartfelt appreciation and recognition to outgoing Board Director Chantel McGee for her years of dedication, insight, and leadership in advancing the organization’s mission. McGee served on WLT’s Governance and Nominating Committee and supported WLT’s urban programming and equity work.

The organization welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors: Alex Panlilio, Amanda Victoria Mintz, Margie Lavender, and Tatiana Kaletsch.

Photo courtesy of Alex Panlilio (right), pictured with his family

Alex Panlilio, of Mamaroneck, brings extensive nonprofit governance, financial oversight, and community leadership experience, along with a deeply personal connection to WLT’s Otter Creek Preserve, which borders his family’s home.

“Living alongside Otter Creek has shown my family, every single day, how powerful protected land can be,” said Panlilio. “WLT isn’t just preserving beautiful places—it’s creating balance between communities and nature. I’m proud to bring my experience in nonprofit leadership and financial stewardship to support that work.”

Photo courtesy of Amanda Victoria Mintz

Amanda Victoria Mintz, of Cortlandt Manor, is a purpose-driven executive, entrepreneur, and climate justice advocate with more than two decades of experience building mission-aligned businesses, advocacy campaigns, and nonprofit initiatives. She has previously supported WLT’s fundraising events through her beverage company, Siponey Spritz Co.

“WLT represents the future of conservation, rooted in equity, community, and bold climate leadership,” said Victoria Mintz. “I’m excited to help grow the organization’s reach and ensure that land protection and environmental justice move forward together.”

Photo courtesy of Margie Lavender

Margie Lavender of Hastings-on-Hudson is an architect and partner at a nationally recognized residential architecture firm. A design leader focused on sustainability, historic landscapes, and community stewardship, she co-founded the Hastings Pollinator Pathway and serves on multiple conservation committees, including The Cultural Landscape Foundation’s Stewardship Council.

“Land tells stories of history, ecology, and human care,” said Lavender. “WLT protects those stories and gives them a future. I’m thrilled to contribute my design and stewardship perspective to an organization that honors both people and place.”

Photo courtesy of Tatiana Kaletsch

Tatiana Kaletsch, of Carmel, who previously served three years on WLT’s Advisory Board and as Co-Chair of that group, joined the Board of Directors in September. Kaletsch brings deep expertise in philanthropy, community engagement, and environmental advocacy, and has been a vital ambassador for WLT’s work across the region.

“WLT’s vision of conservation, one that connects ecological health with human wellbeing, is deeply aligned with my own values,” Kaletsch said. “I’m honored to continue serving this organization in a new capacity as we work toward a more resilient, just, and thriving future.”

Directors Carine Verschueren, of Larchmont, and Matt Young, of Bedford Hills, will now serve on WLT’s Advisory Board, where they will continue to contribute their experience, insight, and long-standing commitment to WLT’s mission.

To celebrate this leadership transition, the community is invited to meet Nanette. WLT will host a guided walk at Otter Creek Preserve in Mamaroneck with Nanette Bourne on Tuesday, February 10 at 3 PM. The walk will offer an opportunity for supporters, neighbors, and community members to meet WLT’s new Chair and learn more about the organization’s current priorities and programs. To RSVP contact Jake Sacket at jakob@westchesterlandtrust.org or 914-234-6992 ext. 17.

The new leadership team will join WLT’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board in guiding the organization’s policies, strategic direction, and long-term stewardship of more than 9,500 acres of protected land across Westchester and eastern Putnam counties.

Board of Directors
Nanette Bourne (Chair), Clifford Aronson (Vice-Chair), Dina Dublon (Treasurer), Joe Edgar (Secretary), David Ansel, Christopher Boege, Laura Desmarais, Jocelyn Ffriend, Tony Freund, Tatiana Kaletsch, Margie Lavendar, Lee Manning-Vogelstein, Alex Panlilio, Gary Perusse, Offutt A. Porter, Mike Sheerin, Norma Silva, Dave Tobias, Amanda Victoria, and Diana Williams.

Advisory Board
George D. Bianco (Chair), Ellen Best, Ava Cohn, Brendon DeSimone, Thatcher Drew, Annie Farrell, Jerome Goldstein, Susan Henry, Kylan Johnson, David Michael, Sesh Murthy, Susan Oakley, John Papa, Mike Rubbo, Karen Simons, Neil Sullivan, Mike Surdej, Allison Tamburelli, Carine Verschueren, Michael Yellin, and Matt Young.

We acknowledge that our region is within the traditional territories of the Lenape people and that their culture and traditions live on today.