HANOVER — The Hanover Conservancy’s Board of Directors has named the organization’s program director as its next executive director.
Barry Matthews, of Norwich, replaces Adair Mulligan, who announced her retirement earlier this year after serving in the role for 15 years. She was the first full-time executive director for the organization, which was founded in 1961.
“He will be an excellent leader of the Conservancy, with his quiet competence, deep commitment to protecting Hanover’s natural spaces, and fresh ideas,” Heidi Trimarco, president of the Conservancy’s Board of Directors, said in a news release.
The Hanover-based land conservation organization owns 10 properties in Hanover and holds conservation easements on eight others.
Since joining the nonprofit organization in 2023, Matthews has increased the number of programs the Conservancy co-sponsors with other community organizations, including Dartmouth College and the Howe and Etna Libraries, according to the release.
Matthews, 42, also serves on the board of Central Vermont Community Radio in Plainfield, Vt., and has also volunteered for the Hartland Winter Trails.
“I am looking forward to working with our members, volunteers, and partners as we continue to pursue community-centered conservation outcomes, protecting the places that make Hanover special,” Matthews said in the release.