Dear Friend of Maine's environment,

I am writing to share with you the news that I will be retiring by the end of this year. My decision comes after much deliberation, and with the certainty that this is exactly the right time for this transition.  

Leading Maine’s most effective environmental advocacy group for the past 11 years has been the most gratifying work of my professional life. You, NRCM’s members, have always been the heart and soul of this organization. Phone calls, letters, emails, meetings with elected officials—it has been powerfully moving to see your response when Maine’s environment has needed you most. I will always cherish the member paddles on Maine’s beautiful lakes and rivers, walks in the woods, and other ways we have celebrated what we have been able to accomplish together.  

NRCM’s staff bring tremendous knowledge, skill, and adaptability, and I am so proud of them. When I think back over the years, I am both impressed yet not at all surprised at the size and complexity of some of our victories—wins that can only be achieved by people who live and breathe a passion for the nature of Maine.

I have also been fortunate to work closely with a strong Board of Directors, who bring a range of experience and expertise, and above all, an unwavering commitment to further NRCM’s environmental priorities in Maine.  

There will always be a need for an NRCM to defend the spectacular natural resources that make Maine such a special place to live, work, and explore. I know that thanks to our collective work, this organization has never been better prepared to address the significant environmental challenges we face and to make sure that everyone in Maine, regardless of where they live or where they come from, can experience the wonder of the woods, waters, and wildlife that define our very identity.  

With my deepest thanks for your loyalty and dedication, 

Lisa Pohlmann, CEO

A Message from Maria Gallace, NRCM Board Chair 

Dear Members of the NRCM Community, 

On behalf of the Natural Resources Council of Maine’s Board of Directors, I want to congratulate Lisa Pohlmann on 22 years of extraordinary service to this organization.  

Lisa’s work with NRCM began as a member of the board, where she served for seven years, including two as Board President. In 2008, she became the Deputy Director, and, in 2011, following a national search, she was hired as CEO. She brought with her a strong history of nonprofit experience that has helped NRCM achieve tremendous success over the past decade. In the coming year, we will have the chance to celebrate Lisa’s many accomplishments. These include: 

• Leading efforts to expand our staff and programs, 

• Growing the numbers of our members and supporters to over 25,000 strong, 

• Concluding our three-year, $6.6 million “Protecting the Nature of Maine” capital campaign successfully in 2020, the largest in our history, 

• Engaging the next generation by creating NRCM Rising and The Brookie Awards, and 

• Bringing concerns of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice to inform our work.  

Lisa’s commitment to our mission and to the environmental science that guides the critical work we do remains steadfast. With NRCM’s powerful accomplishments going back more than six decades, Lisa can retire knowing that her leadership role at NRCM will make a difference for generations to come.  

While we look forward to supporting Lisa’s work through the remainder of the year, the Board of Directors has also begun the process of seeking the organization’s next leader. For updates, you can visit nrcm.org/about-nrcm/ceo. Today, however, please join me and my fellow members of the Board of Directors in expressing our gratitude to Lisa for her dedication to protecting the nature of Maine.  

Sincerely, 

Maria Gallace 
Chair, Natural Resources Council of Maine Board of Directors