In a joint statement by the Allegheny Land Trust and the Mount Washington Community Development Corporation, both organizations announce the hiring of Christopher Beichner as Executive Director of ALT.

According to ALT,  Chris was selected  from a very strong pool of candidates as the culmination of a six-month, nationwide search for an individual to lead the organization forward.  Alan S. Miller, Chairman of the ALT Board of Directors, commented, “the Transition Team was impressed by Chris’ success with the CDC in engaging stakeholders in the organization’s strategic planning and implementation efforts, strong leadership and his ability to understand, identify and implement diverse and sustainable funding streams.”

Mr. Beichner's responsibilities at ALT will include the completion of its multi-year strategic plan, create and implement communications and fundraising plans, build an operating endowment and direct all  financial management, human resources, Board development and marketing of the organization.

Jon Lusin, Board President of the MWCDC adds, "Chris’ leadership throughout his tenure has helped the MWCDC become a model organization in the Greater Pittsburgh area.  His commitment to aligning the organization’s goals with the needs of our community has been a true asset.  I thank Chris for all his efforts, and truly wish him the best of luck in his new position at the Allegheny Land Trust.

Since 2008, Chris has been the Executive Director of the MWCDC where he has written the organization's new five year strategic plan, implemented an organizational assessment, changed and created new policies for effective organizational governance, increased organizational revenues by 115 percent in two years, implemented a comprehensive real estate program, facilitated the redevelopment of vacant school buildings and led a dynamic team who have been productive in creating new workforce development initiatives and the facilitation of millions of dollars into new public and private investments.

Prior to his work at the MWCDC, Chris was the Director of Community Development and Planning for the Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission.

"I'm very pleased with our accomplishments in Mount Washington, and I know the organization and community is in a much better place today than it was four years ago.  I will have fond memories of the work we did collectively with the Board, staff and volunteers and look forward to seeing many more exciting times ahead for Mount Washington.  I am particularly excited to join a tremendous organization like ALT where I feel my strengths and relationships will help to meet their mission to serve as a lead land trust conserving and stewarding lands.  I look forward to building great relationships with the Board, staff, volunteers and investors", Mr. Beichner said.

He will begin with ALT on September 17.

8/27/2012