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 through March 31, 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.