The PA Environmental Council has hired Marla Meyer Papernick as its Communities and Landscapes Program Manager.

Based in PEC’s Pittsburgh office, Papernick brings a strong combination of project management experience along with a passion for the environment to aid PEC’s work statewide.

Papernick will focus primarily on the communities and landscapes where PEC works to leverage environmental, conservation, outdoor tourism, and economic development programs.

“Marla brings a unique blend of work experience to PEC that will help our work in the Laurel Highlands move forward,” said PEC President and CEO Davitt Woodwell. “We are certainly excited to have her on board as we work to develop communities both in the Laurel Highlands region and across the state.”

Papernick most recently worked for Visit Pittsburgh as its Director of Communications for seven years and her experience in the environmental arena dates back to 1984 when she worked as the Regional Director and the Deputy Regional Director for the Environmental Careers Organization in Boston for five years.

During her tenure there, she developed short-term jobs for students pursuing careers in environmental fields, directed program activities, and designed a pilot grants program to increase nonprofit participation.

“The environmental field has always been where my heart lies,” Papernick said. “I spent my childhood in the Laurel Highlands. … That area is where I feel like I’ve come home. I’ve watched Ohiopyle grow over the years to a place where now it’s a major attraction.”

Papernick holds a B.A. in Economics and American Studies from American University.

She can be contacted by calling PEC’s Pittsburgh Office at 412-481-9400.

10/5/2015