LINDA S. MURCHISON WILL SERVE AS INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COASTAL LAND TRUST
FOR RELEASE January, 2021
WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Coastal Land Trust has named Linda S. Murchison, a longtime volunteer leader of the organization, to serve as Interim Executive Director, following the retirement of founding Executive Director Camilla M. Herlevich. Ms. Murchison is a current member of the Coastal Land Trust’s Board of Directors, has led various Board committees over the years including the Leadership and Nominations Committee, and has played a key role in the successful “Your Land” capital campaign.
In addition to her long and varied volunteer leadership at the Coastal Land Trust, including as Board President, Ms. Murchison has a wealth of experience with other nonprofit organizations, both professionally and as a Board member. She was employed for almost two decades as a licensed clinical social worker at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. The organizations for which she currently serves in a volunteer capacity include the Wyoming Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Help Hub @ The Harrelson Center, and the Spiritual Growth Commission at St. James Parish.
“We’re grateful to Linda Murchison for her willingness to step up and serve the Coastal Land Trust on a temporary basis during this time of transition,” said Melanie Allen, President of the Board of Directors. “While the Board has an active search process underway to fill the vacancy created by Camilla Herlevich’s retirement, there was a need for interim leadership, until that position is filled. Linda’s talents and experience make her uniquely qualified to meet our current needs, and she has the full confidence of the Board of Directors and staff.”
“I am excited and honored to serve as the Interim Executive Director during this transition following Camilla’s retirement while the search process for the next leader is underway,” said Linda Murchison. “It is a privilege to work with the Coastal Land Trust’s dedicated staff, board, community partners and donors to further our important mission to conserve lands in the NC coastal region with ecological, historical, recreational and/or scenic value. My goal during this transition is to build on our strengths in conservation, education, and fundraising while remaining energetic and focused as we anticipate the new opportunities that will come to the Coastal Land Trust with its next Executive Director.”
“We couldn’t be more enthusiastic and grateful about this wonderful development,” said Jesica Blake, Associate Director for the Coastal Land Trust. “The staff all know Linda personally, and respect her diligence, her passion for land conservation, and her generous commitment to the Coastal Land Trust. She is exactly the right person to ensure that the important work of the Coastal Land Trust is carried forward while the Board’s Search Committee finds a new leader. Our conservation and community work and our fundraising programs have great momentum, and Linda will help keep that momentum going.”
