OUR TEAM
Executive Director
Patrick Lynch
Patrick Lynch has spent 15 years building environmental advocacy and community resilience programs in watersheds worldwide. Patrick comes to The Central New York Land Trust from Syracuse University, where he oversaw rural development programs and worked with municipalities and state agencies across New York to secure funding for water infrastructure improvements. He previously served in several nonprofit leadership roles, including Director of Policy and Planning for a watershed association in New England and International Director for a Chilean foundation in Patagonia.
Patrick holds a B.A. in Economics and English Literature from Fairfield University, a J.D. from Vanderbilt Law School, and a Master's in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School. He enjoys paddling Central New York's many lakes and rivers with his wife, and in 2025 is working to finish paddling the entire Erie Canal for its 200th anniversary. Follow his journey @plynchrivers on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky.

Development Manager
Devon Dunbar
Devon Dunbar has a robust background in the nonprofit sector, and brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to support our mission of preserving and protecting lands throughout Central New York.
Following her undergraduate work in Environmental Studies at SUNY Potsdam, Devon attended SUNY-ESF for graduate school to study Environmental Policy. Since then, she has held impactful positions at Adirondack Experience and New York Funders Alliance, focusing on nonprofit memberships, operations, and development. Devon also has experience in grant writing for nonprofits, making her an invaluable part of our fundraising team to help secure the future of The Central New York Land Trust.
Outside of work, Devon enjoys wood-burning crafts and kayaking and hiking in CNY and the Adirondacks with her husband. She is excited to share her passion for Central New York’s natural landscapes with the Land Trust's many members and followers.

Office Operations Manager
Jan Witter
Jan Witter has been with The Central New York Land Trust for the past 5 years - first as Office Administrator and now as Office Operations Manager.
Although her background is in law, banking, and education, Jan brings an enthusiasm for environmental conservation and a support for the Land Trust's mission and vision for Central New York that goes above and beyond the call of duty. Jan has been instrumental in orchestrating the Land Trust's staff and Board of Directors to stay on target for projects and events, maintain budget goals, adhere to regulatory guidelines, educate the public on the Land Trust's mission, and raise funds to continue the organization's conservation work of over 50 years in Central New York.
Jan has a B.S. in Elementary Education and a Master's in Literacy from SUNY Cortland. In her spare time, Jan enjoys walking, hiking exploring old cemeteries, and reading.

Land Steward Intern
Wyatt Bishop
Wyatt Bishop is a SUNY-ESF undergraduate majoring in Conservation Biology and Minoring in Aquatics. He joined The Central New York Land Trust as a Land Steward Intern for the Summer of 2025. Wyatt is from Oneida, NY, and loves getting outdoors and taking in all of the natural beauty Central New York has to offer.
Wyatt enjoys fishing around the state and visiting different parks with his family. He cares deeply about the conservation and preservation of natural systems and is excited to have the opportunity to positively impact the various sites held by The Central New York Land Trust.
OUR BOARD
Andrew Ramsgard
Board Chair
Executive Committee
Stewardship Committee (Chair)
Owner, Ramsgard Architectural Design
Stephen Schwab
Board Vice Chair
Executive Committee
Stewardship Committee
Acquisition Committee (Chair)
Retired, Dentist
Loren Wahl
Board Treasurer
Executive Committee
Finance Committee (Chair)
CPA and Tax Manager, Bowers & Company CPAs, PLLC
Holly Granat
Board Secretary
Executive Committee
Acquisition Committee
Governance Committee
Revitalization Specialist, NYS Department of State
Margaret Boscor
Acquisition Committee
Finance Committee
Governance Committee
Retired, Nonprofit Financial Administration
Lauren E. Darcy
Fundraising/Membership Committee
Great Lakes Coastal Resilience Specialist, NY Sea Grant
Robert Dewitt
Acquisition Committee
Owner, Lakeview Auto
Edward Glaza
Stewardship Committee
Anchor QEA
Steven Kulick
Finance Committee
Fundraising/Membership Committee (Chair)
Director of Foundation & Government Relations, LeMoyne College
Andrew Obernesser
Governance Committee
Director of Community Investment, CenterState CEO
Jane Rice
Governance Committee (Chair)
Retired Community Planner
Margaret Ries
Fundraising/Membership Committee
Governance Committee
Marketing Leader, Brierley Associates
Christopher Sandstrom
Stewardship Committee
Owner, Cayuga Tree Services, Inc.
Richard Smardon
Acquisition Committee
Stewardship Committee
Professor Emeritus, SUNY-ESF
