NRCM news release
The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) is pleased to announce that Lisa Pohlmann of Jefferson has been selected as the organization’s new executive director.
The group’s longtime executive director, Brownie Carson, announced last spring that he would be retiring after 26 years at NRCM. Now that the extensive national search process is complete and a new executive director has been named, Carson plans to step down from his post at the end of January.
“NRCM is more than just an organization with dedicated, top-notch staff who are passionate about protecting Maine’s environment,” says NRCM board president Bill Houston, a teacher and registered Maine Guide who lives in Kingfield. “We are a community of more than 12,000 people from across the state and across the country who care deeply about Maine’s natural heritage. We are all committed to passing on to future generations a healthy environment that serves as the foundation for a sustainable economy. We have a proud record of accomplishment over the past 50 years, and we are confident that Lisa Pohlmann has what it takes to lead the organization as we move forward.”
Pohlmann has played several key roles at NRCM over the past decade. She served on the Board of Directors for seven years, including two years as board president. During her board tenure, NRCM worked to protect the natural character of Moosehead Lake from oversized, inappropriately located development and, as a leading member of the Penobscot River Restoration Trust, to restore access for wild Atlantic salmon and 10 other species of native fish to a 1,000-mile stretch of the Penobscot watershed through dam removal.
Pohlmann’s work as NRCM board president enabled her to step smoothly into the position of deputy director for the organization in 2008, where she managed the 23-staff member organization.
“Lisa has the heart and soul of a dedicated advocate and a deep passion for Maine’s environment,” says Brownie Carson, NRCM’s outgoing Executive Director. “She has a solid record of success within this organization. She knows the issues, understands the political landscape, and has the respect of everyone who has worked with her. She will be a strong and effective defender of Maine’s environment.”
“As a founding member of NRCM, I am pleased at the selection of Lisa Pohlmann as NRCM’s next leader,” says Bill Townsend, former NRCM board president. “Over the years, NRCM has faced down many threats to the environment that make Maine such a special place to live, work, and enjoy. Lisa knows the battles we have fought for environmental protection, and is well-prepared to lead Maine people to protect the place we love.”
Prior to her move to NRCM, Pohlmann served for nearly 13 years as associate director of the Maine Center for Economic Policy (MECEP), where she worked to promote sustainable economic development, conducted research, built diverse coalitions, and advocated before the Legislature on many issues.
“Lisa helped to shape MECEP from its earliest years into the strong voice we now hold in Maine’s policy arena,” says Christopher (Kit) St. John, Executive Director of the Maine Center for Economic Policy. “She has earned a reputation for collaboration, persistence, and the ability to effectively engage citizens in complex policy issues. Her leadership and commitment to the well-being of all of Maine’s people and our environment will continue to benefit the state.”
Pohlmann most recently led NRCM’s advocacy on federal climate and energy policy. Through her coalition leadership, hundreds of Maine businesses, workers, health professionals, sportsmen, faith leaders, and veterans spoke out on the need for the nation to move toward a clean energy future.
“I was pleased to join the Maine business coalition that will continue to push for federal action on clean energy, and Lisa Pohlmann helped make that possible,” says Heather Blease, Owner of Savi Systems LLC and Director of Sales and Marketing at Thayer Corporation. “Our company helps businesses save money by saving energy and we look forward to working with Lisa and with NRCM on this shared goal.”
In addition to her professional experience, Pohlmann has a Masters in Public Policy from the Muskie School of Public Service where she is working on her doctorate.
“NRCM is fortunate to have Lisa Pohlmann assuming the helm,” says Charles Colgan, University of Southern Maine economist. “She brings a strong understanding of the Maine economy and solid training in how to navigate the difficult policy trade-offs that come with balancing our economic and environmental goals as a state.”
Pohlmann has had a lifelong love of the outdoors, and regularly kayaks, hikes, skis, and camps across Maine. She frequents Maine’s state parks and public lands, with favorites being Lily Bay, Camden Hills, and Cobscook Bay state parks. She has paddled the Allagash, Moose, and Narraguagus rivers, among others.
“I am honored to have been chosen to lead NRCM, its staff, and the broad network of citizens from all walks of life that are committed to protecting the nature of Maine,” says Pohlmann. “Our health and happiness depend upon clean air, clean water, and the opportunity to experience unspoiled natural beauty. Maine’s economy also relies upon both the sustainable use and the conservation of our natural resources. NRCM has been a leader in cleaning up our rivers, protecting the treasure of our great North Woods, and moving the state toward greater energy efficiency. We will move forward to address the enormous environmental challenges we face and to prevent rollbacks of environmental protections. I am eager to work with others throughout the state on this shared mission,” says Pohlmann.
Learn more about Lisa Pohlmann and NRCM.
Letter from Bill Houston, NRCM Board president
