On December 12, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council announced that Thomas Gilbert will serve as the organization’s next President beginning in January.

“We are thrilled that Tom has agreed to join PEC and know that his mix of experiences and perspectives mesh well with ours,” Board Chair Carol McCabe said. “Tom is the right person to support current work, innovate for new phases, and lead our professional staff going forward.”

“I am excited by the opportunity to lead a well-respected group and build on the environmental and conservation programs and issues that abound in the Commonwealth,” Gilbert said. “PEC’s work across air, land, and water uniquely brings together local, regional, and statewide perspectives at the project and policy levels. I am especially excited to get to know the staff and board.”

Holding Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Vermont, Gilbert comes to PEC from the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, where he currently serves as Co-Executive Director and has worked since 2015.

Prior to that he was Senior Conservation Finance Director at the Trust for Public Land for seven years, and held senior roles at the Wilderness Society, Highlands Coalition, and Appalachian Mountain Club.

Gilbert has a track record of success in building strong coalitions and partnerships including his work as Executive Director of the Highlands Coalition to pass federal and New Jersey State Legislation to protect the region’s critical lands and water resources, and his role as Chairman of the NJ Keep It Green Coalition, where he led a successful campaign to create a constitutionally dedicated source of funding for land preservation efforts.

In his most recent role he forged strong partnerships to advance decarbonization policies in New Jersey.

Gilbert, who resides in Bucks County, will begin his tenure with PEC in mid-January.

Davitt Woodwell, who is retiring as President, will remain in place until that date.

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[Posted: December 12, 2023]

12/18/2023