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Update on LSP’s Leadership Transition

Spread the Word: We're Looking for a New ED!

By Brian DeVore
March 10, 2023

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As you may have heard, the Land Stewardship Project is currently searching for a new executive director as a result of the departure of Mike McMahon earlier this year. We’d like to provide a brief update on the hiring process and where LSP stands during this time of transition.

First, let’s address the reality of the situation: during LSP’s first 35+ years of existence, it only had two executive directors. However, within the past few years, the organization has seen three executive directors pass through its ranks. This is a time of transition for many organizations, including several LSP allies. But having numerous changes in leadership after such a long period of relative stability has not been easy for our members or our staff. The good news is that the organization has been able, with the strong support of our members, board, and allies, to continue to do extraordinary work in the areas of beginning farmer training, soil health, policy, farm transitions, and community-based foods. That said, as we wrap up our first 40 years of working to “keep the land and people together,” LSP is looking forward to putting in place an executive director that can lead the organization into the future.

When Mike McMahon notified LSP that he was planning on stepping down, the board of directors hired Amy Brugh to serve as an interim executive director and consultant during the transition process. Amy is an experienced interim executive director, planner, and facilitator. Her background is in public health, and she worked for 15 years in legislative policy before starting her own consulting firm, which, among things, works extensively with groups that are transitioning leadership.

Since January, Amy has been focused on ensuring the day-to-day operations of LSP and our political action partner, the Land Stewardship Action Fund (LSAF). She is also currently leading the organization’s Management Team and helping LSP develop a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Amy also serves as the liaison between staff and the board of directors, and is leading the search process for a permanent executive director.

The ED Search

Working with a board committee and LSP’s human resources department, Amy has posted a job announcement and begun to collection applications. Applications will be accepted during the next few weeks, and then the board hiring committee will select qualified applicants to interview. Part of Amy’s responsibilities involve determining how best to engage the organization’s staff in the executive director hiring process, with the understanding that the final decision lies with the board of directors. The plan is to have a new executive director in place by summer. It should be made clear that Amy Brugh is on a temporary contract, and will not be applying for the permanent executive director position.

By the way, if you, or someone you know, is interested in leading LSP, check out the job description and applications details here. We are seeking a dynamic, collaborative leader who is deeply committed to building power in rural areas and has a proven interest in environmental stewardship of the land and working with farmers. Word of mouth is the best tool we have at our disposal when seeking to fill such an important role here at LSP.

If you have any questions about LSP’s leadership transition process, e-mail Brian DeVore or call him at 612-816-9342.

Brian DeVore is LSP’s managing editor.

Category: Blog
Tags: Land Stewardship Project leadership • leadership transition • LSP executive director

Upcoming Events

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August 2025

Sunday August 24

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Livestock Consolidation Town Hall With AG Ellison in Central MN
Sunday August 24
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Livestock Consolidation Town Hall With AG Ellison in Central MN
Central Minnesota

LSP will be hosting a town hall meeting Sunday, Aug. 24, in Paynesville, Minn., on consolidation in livestock agriculture. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will be on-hand to hear from producers about their experiences with monopoly power. This meeting is for small to mid-sized livestock producers and others who want to push back against consolidation in agriculture.

This town hall will be held at Lake Koronis Regional Park, 51612 Co. Hwy. 20, Paynesville, MN (large picnic shelter; look for the LSP signs).

To reserve a spot, click here. For more information, contact LSP organizer Matthew Sheets via e-mail or at 612-767-9709.

Tuesday August 26

9:30 am – 3:00 pm
UW Organic Agriculture Research Field Day
Tuesday August 26
9:30 am – 3:00 pm
UW Organic Agriculture Research Field Day
Arlington, WI 53911, USA


This University of Wisconsin Organic Grain Resource and Information Network field day will feature tours and talks about the latest in organic systems research. Attendees will learn about reduced-tillage corn and soybeans, no-till dry beans, advances in food-grade grains, emerging crops, biocontrol agents to manage white mold in soybeans, and on-farm soil health research. 

For more information and to register, click here. 

Wednesday August 27

10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Field Day: Farmer-Distiller Grain Connection
Wednesday August 27
10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Field Day: Farmer-Distiller Grain Connection
Paxton, IL 60957, USA

Join OGRAIN, Artisan Grain Collaborative, The Land Connection, and IDEA Farm Network for this unique field day tailored for farmers and distillers alike to learn in the field and at the distillery. Dallas and Will Glazik will lead attendees through Cow Creek Organic Farm’s organic fields and discuss proper food-grade grain handling. The day will end with a distillery tour, grain quality talk, farmer-distiller social event, and optional tasting at Silver Tree Spirits.

For details and to register, click here. 

September 2025

Monday September 1

All Day
Final Deadline for LSP's Farm Beginnings Course
Monday September 1
Final Deadline for LSP's Farm Beginnings Course

Beginning and prospective farmers are invited to apply to the Land Stewardship Project’s Farm Beginnings course, a year-long training program that focuses on the goal setting, marketing, and financial skills needed to establish a successful farm business. The Farm Beginnings course creates a space for folks to name their vision, acquire the tools and skills needed to make it happen, and become part of a community of support to help them succeed.  

The course will run from November 2025 through March 2026, with some additional educational opportunities to take place later in 2026. 

The deadline for applications is Sept. 1. Early bird applications submitted by Aug. 1 will receive a $100 discount if you are accepted into the class. Partial scholarships are available.

More details are at http://www.farmbeginnings.org or Annelie Livingston-Anderson at annelie@landstewardshipproject.org.

You can apply to the course here.

Friday September 5

9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Soil Health Field Day: Austin
Friday September 5
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Soil Health Field Day: Austin
50203 205th St, Austin, MN 55912, USA

Details are here.

View Full Calendar

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