Ellen Kazary - Executive Director
Ellen joined the wonderful team at Great Land Trust in August 2016 as the Executive Director. She brings 20 years of non-profit experience, including serving in a leadership role for the past decade where her responsibilities included strategic planning, fiscal management, and building and leading productive teams who completed large-scale, complex projects in remote areas. Ellen grew up in Western Maryland working with her family’s businesses – remodeling centuries-old houses and running a country inn, restaurant, greenhouse, and law practice. After graduating with a degree in Geology & Environmental Studies from Oberlin College, Ellen spent several years working in environmental policy and teaching science before moving to Alaska. She spent a decade with the Rural Alaska Community Action Program (RurAL CAP), working in partnership with tribes statewide on a broad range of environmental and energy conservation programs which received state and national awards for innovation and excellence. Ellen then served as RurAL CAP’s Development Director for four years, successfully securing millions annually to support the organization’s diverse work statewide. She is a dedicated year round bike commuter, passionate gardener, and enjoys painting watercolors as well as spending time at the cabin that she and her partner Chris built near Montana Creek. Ellen and Chris can often be found on Alaska’s trails with their dogs Tucker and Finley.
ellen@greatlandtrust.org