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OUR TEAM

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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

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