The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy announced the selection of Thomas D. Saunders as President and Chief Executive Officer this week to lead the 75-year old nonprofit land and water conservation organization.

Saunders succeeds Dennis McGrath, who served as CEO until December of 2007.

Thomas Saunders comes to the Conservancy from Gainesville, Florida where he was Community Development Director for the City of Gainesville for the past ten years. In that role, Saunders directed planning, growth management, redevelopment, housing, historic preservation, neighborhood planning and other duties.

His approach to planning is noted for its careful growth management, protection of tree canopies and environmental qualities, and enhancement of public and open spaces in areas needing revitalization. Saunders also served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Florida School of Law.

Prior to that, Saunders was director of the Maryland Environmental Trust, a statewide land trust that also serves as the parent organization for 40 local land trusts across the state. As one of the largest conservation and voluntary preservation easement-holding organizations in the country, the Maryland Environmental Trust works with property owners across the state on planning and conservation efforts.

The complete announcement is available online.

5/11/2007