Three new board members were recently elected to Barnstable Land Trust’s Board of Directors, at its annual meeting held July 11.
The new members are Michael Cohen of Cotuit, Lisa Drake of Mashpee and Jill McCleary of Hyannis.
Held at the new Maureen Wilkens Science and Engineering Center at Cape Cod Community College, the annual meeting featured a tour of the college’s state-of-the-art STEM building and a special Town of Barnstable proclamation read by Town Councilor Kris Clark, declaring July 11 as “Barnstable Land Trust Day.” Bridge Creek Capital Management LCC, Cape Cod 5, and Cape Cod Package Store sponsored the milestone event.
“Celebrating our 40th Anniversary in Cape Cod Community College’s state-of-the-art building, which was sustainably constructed to preserve energy and is LEED certified, was the ideal location for BLT’s annual meeting – especially as we embrace a future where protecting the environment has never been more important” said Janet Milkman, BLT’s Executive Director. “We are excited to be adding passionate, highly skilled, and dedicated volunteer leaders like Michael, Lisa, and Jill to our Board of Directors who also serve as champions dedicated to protecting and preserving our community’s most special and important natural resources.”
Michael Cohen served as the General Manager of a group of New England radio stations and also built the largest independent media buying agency in New England. In addition to serving on several nonprofit boards, his brings expertise in situational analysis, strategic planning and revenue generation to BLT.
Lisa Drake brings more than 25 years of professional fundraising experience in higher education, most recently with Boston University and Carnegie Mellon University. Her roles have spanned all aspects of fundraising from Annual Giving to Assistant Dean, Development and Alumni Relations. As the new Development Committee Chair, Lisa is guiding BLT on its fundraising strategies and campaigns.
Jill McCleary has been a member of Cape Cod 5’s team since 2014 and currently holds the position of Senior Financial Analyst. In her current role, she focuses on expense analysis, budgeting, reporting, visual presentations, and assisting internal associates. Serving on BLT’s Finance Committee for several years, McCleary also serves as Board Treasurer.
In addition to electing new board members at BLT’s Annual Meeting, Brendan Annett of Cotuit received the Founders Award and John Miller of Mashpee and Beth Odence of Cotuit received the President’s Award.
“We were excited to recognize these outstanding individuals,” said Milkman. “Brendan has been a passionate steward and leader, protecting and preserving our region’s natural resources. John has been a tireless BLT champion over the years, serving in various board and committee positions including Chair. And Beth’s creative vision and perseverance were essential to the success of our renovated (BLT) Conservation Center and the Michael R. Kramer Center at Fuller Farm. Barnstable Land Trust is grateful for the leadership and support of people like Brendan, John, and
Beth, who are essential to our conservation mission.”
Brendan Annett is the Vice President of Watershed Protection at the Buzzards Bay Coalition. An active advocate for conservation on Cape Cod, each year he runs the convocation of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts and works with the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition on policy and legislative issues. He also serves as a mentor to many practitioners on the Cape and SouthCoast.
John Miller is the founder and owner of J Miller, Pictureframer and Gallery in Mashpee. A Cape Cod resident for more than 50 years and a committed volunteer, Miller has served on numerous nonprofit boards including as past chair of the Cape Cod Community College Educational Foundation. He also serves as Town Moderator in Mashpee.
Beth Odence is an experienced local businesswoman with strong marketing, fundraising, small business development and networking skills, including extensive experience in renovating historic properties and designing new construction. A seasoned volunteer leader on and off Cape, Beth spearheaded significant projects for Barnstable Land Trust including a role in the renovation of the BLT Office and Conservation Center and vision for the barn (the Michael R. Kramer Center) and agriculture at Fuller Farm.
