My first week as the Natural Resources Council of Maine’s CEO has been filled with inspiration as I’ve engaged with our talented staff and dedicated board. I am deeply honored to step into the leadership of such a respected organization, and I look forward to engaging with you as I settle in and hit my stride.
I arrived in Maine with the first major snowfalls of the season so I was greeted by snowy mountains and ice-laden rivers, lakes, and coastline. They are powerful reminders of the opportunity and responsibility we all share to protect what we love. I was in awe of Maine’s beauty when I traveled throughout the state for one of my first jobs, and I am grateful for your work alongside NRCM to protect so much of what makes Maine so beautiful.
In my first days here at NRCM, I am deeply impressed by NRCM staff. I have been to the State House twice now and have seen first-hand how committed our experts are in ensuring the success of our ambitious legislative priorities.
This work includes listening to and amplifying the voices of those who have been left out of previous conversations. A clean, healthy environment for all has always been important to me, from my early years working with tribal and refugee communities in Maine to, most recently, my career at National Audubon, where I fostered deep, authentic relationships with communities across the U.S. for more equitable outcomes.
The heart of NRCM’s mission is the belief in the power of grassroots action. Advocacy is most effective when it reflects Maine’s diverse voices across communities and generations. As CEO, I will continue NRCM’s commitment to empowering the voices of people throughout the state to advance policies that support a healthy environment and strong communities. That’s why I look forward to building relationships with you. We will keep you informed of opportunities to attend events and webinars where we can say hello to each other. Meanwhile, I hope you will tune in to our “Frontline Voices” podcast episode, where you’ll hear my conversation with host Colin Durrant.
This week’s snowfall has been a true Maine welcome. I find myself inspired everyday by the beauty in which we’re so fortunate to live. Thank you for this opportunity to come back to a place and community that I love deeply. I am so looking forward to our work together.
—Rebeccah Sanders, NRCM CEO
Banner photo: View of Katahdin from White Cap Mountain, by NRCM member Wendy Weiger
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