December 11, 2006

MCHT names Tom Ireland Board Chair

Three new members added to board

Topsham, December 11, 2006. Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT), a statewide land conservation organization, has named Thomas E. Ireland its new board chair. Mr. Ireland succeeds Richard Rockefeller, who served for five years as board chair, spearheading MCHT’s successful Campaign for the Coast.

“MCHT is very fortunate that someone with Tom Ireland’s leadership capabilities will be serving as our new board chair in the coming years,” says Jay Espy, President of MCHT. “Tom is a proven leader with a keen understanding of the complex issues facing the land conservation movement, and a life long connection to the Maine coast. His collaborative, problem solving approach will continue a proud tradition at MCHT.”

Mr. Ireland is a partner at the private equity investment firm of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Inc. He and his family have deep roots in the Pemaquid region, and they have widely explored the Maine coast and islands from Kittery to Lubec. “I look forward to working with MCHT’s board, staff, council, members, and others who care about Maine’s coast as MCHT proceeds with its efforts to protect the character of Maine,” said Ireland. “Working with local communities and landowners, we strive to conserve important lands for the future ecological and economic health of coastal Maine.”

MCHT also announced the appointment of Dawn Kidd, Kurt Klebe, and Didi Stockly to its board of directors. Ms. Kidd served for 14 years as the executive director of the Boothbay Region Land Trust. Mr. Klebe is a partner with Verrill Dana, LLP in Portland and serves as a director or officer on numerous boards throughout southern Maine including Maine Medical Center. Ms. Stockly is currently a director of Vinalhaven Land Trust, as well as a past director of the Falmouth Land Trust.

About Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is a statewide land conservation organization committed to protecting the character of Maine. Since 1970, Maine Coast Heritage Trust has permanently protected more than 121,000 acres in Maine, from the Isles of Shoals to Cobscook Bay, including more than 265 entire coastal islands. Working together with landowners, land trusts, and other community partners, Maine Coast Heritage Trust conserves and stewards coastal lands and islands for their renowned scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, ecological diversity, and working landscapes. A membership and nonprofit organization, Maine Coast Heritage Trust counts on the ongoing support from members and people who love the coast of Maine.

Contact: Rich Knox, Maine Coast Heritage Trust (207) 729-7366