Staff and Trustee Transitions

by Liz Ruffa, Advancement Director Kathryn Lawrence

Kathryn Lawrence is retiring as Assistant Executive Director after twelve stellar years running MFFC’s business operations. Kathryn joined the Merck Forest staff in October, 2010 as Office Coordinator and Bookkeeper after honing these skills at area enterprises, including Riley Rink at Hunter Park.

Kathryn and her husband Rick operated and managed a 90 cow dairy farm before transferring their love for farming to a smaller farm with perennial gardens, a vegetable garden and five horses in Pawlet. Kathryn’s love of farming and the outdoors attracted her to the opportunity at Merck Forest. Their three children and their families visit Vermont as often as is possible.

We wish Kathryn the best and look forward to seeing her enjoying the MFFC farm and trails with her family. Marybeth Leu is stepping into the role of Business Manager. Congratulations Marybeth!

Testimonial for Kathryn Lawrence

by Keld Alstrup

Kathryn has been as steady as a rock during these last 12 years. There was nothing that Kathy wouldn’t or couldn’t do to make sure things worked as intended at Merck Forest. As issues came up, she took care of the animals, dealt with employment issues, cleared trails, did cabin checks, etc. in addition to her bookkeeping, accounting and administrative duties.

From 2015 -2021, I had the pleasure of working closely with Kathy on the financial and accounting side of things when I served as Treasurer. Merck Forest has benefited greatly from the fine job she has done over these past dozen years.

Kat Deely

Kat Deely is stepping off MFFC’s Board of Trustees. Thank you Kat for your vision, your voice and your service as a Trustee and as Secretary.

From Kat: After focusing my graduate field work at Merck Forest, when George Hatch asked, I was thankful for the opportunity to stay connected by serving on the Board of Trustees. Though my work has taken me to locations all over New England, now far from Vermont, being tied to Merck Forest has had a great grounding influence on me. I’ve loved witnessing the new initiatives and energy brought to the org by Rob Terry and the staff. Though I will dearly miss being involved in decisions at MFFC, I’ll always be a big supporter and tell nearly everyone I meet to check out Merck Forest!

Kat serves as Director of Conservation for Frenchman Bay Conservancy, which protects new lands in perpetuity in Maine’s Union River Watershed, Frenchman Bay Watershed, and the Schoodic Corridor, for the benefit of all. Her professional experience focuses on community conservation and outreach, landscape-scale land protection, and experiential education. Kat holds a Master’s Degree in Natural Resources from the University of Vermont Field Naturalist and Ecological Planning Program.

Special Thanks

Thanks to the Stocks - Brantley, Amelia and Creighton for being so helpful at Merck Forest. From throwing hay to moving fences, you guys rock! Thank you!