Whatcom Land Trust welcomes Rachel Vasak as Executive Director

Rachel, who has served as the Executive Director for Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) for the past 16 years, brings a depth of experience in team building and leadership, strategic planning, advocacy, and community engagement. She holds a Masters in Public Administration specializing in Nonprofit Leadership.

“I am so excited to welcome Rachel to Whatcom Land Trust,” said Board President Hall Walker. With her incredible non-profit leadership experience, demonstrated success in building partnerships and long term relationships, and personal commitment to our mission, she is the ideal leader for our organization.”

This transition is also a win for our community, as NSEA and Whatcom Land Trust have been partners in restoration for decades. Rachel’s first hand knowledge on the value of land, rivers, salmon, and the benefits of local conservation will continue to make Whatcom county a wonderful place to live. Rachel has also served as a Board member for Washington’s Regional Fisheries Coalition, supporting statewide salmon recovery, for the last 14 years.

“I am excited to bring my love of conservation, protection, and restoration to the Whatcom Land Trust,” said incoming Executive Director Rachel Vasak. “It is important to me to share my skills and passion with a mission that I care about and that aligns with my personal values. I’ll have the privilege of helping grow the Whatcom Land Trust staff and Board to protect, conserve, and steward important parts of the landscape.”

Rachel will begin her role on January 6th, 2025. Stewardship Director Jenn Mackey and Conservation Director Alex Jeffers will continue to share duties as Interim Executive Directors through January 6th.