AMC Appoints Key Conservation Leaders
News related to:Appalachian Mountain Club · 1 min read
BOSTON, Nov. 12, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) has appointed two key conservation leaders to its executive and stewardship teams, marking a significant step forward in the organization's mission to protect and promote access to the outdoors. The appointments include Kara Hartigan Whelan as Vice President of Conservation and Dr. Nicole Rogers as Director of Land Management.
Kara Hartigan Whelan, who joins AMC on December 1, brings a wealth of experience to the organization. She most recently served as the President of the Westchester Land Trust, a position she held for 15 years. During her tenure, Hartigan Whelan demonstrated her commitment to connecting communities with the outdoors and ensuring that land protection efforts serve diverse populations across both urban and rural regions. She was recently recognized as a 2025 CNN Champion for Change, an honor that underscores her dedication to environmental conservation.
In her new role, Hartigan Whelan will lead AMC's regional conservation policies, trail systems, land protection initiatives, research, and stewardship across a wide range of landscapes, from urban to rural. Her background in operations, fundraising, and cross-sector coalition building will be invaluable as she works to build an outdoor community that is welcoming and accessible to all.
Dr. Nicole Rogers, who recently joined AMC, will serve as the Director of Land Management. In this newly created position, Rogers is responsible for the stewardship of all AMC-owned properties, including the AMC Maine Woods initiative. Rogers brings a breadth of scientific expertise, having earned a Ph.D. in silviculture, and joins AMC from the Maine Forest Service, where she collaborated closely with AMC to enhance forest management and protection.
These appointments underscore AMC's continued commitment to land protection, community engagement, climate resilience, and access to the outdoors across the organization's footprint and beyond. The AMC, which is a community of more than 90,000 adventurers, advocates, and nature enthusiasts, is dedicated to fostering outdoor access, expanding regional conservation impact, and responsibly stewarding its lands.