BMLT announces new interim executive director
Blue Mountain Land Trust (BMLT) celebrates a new phase of our organization with the appointment of new leadership. Current BMLT Conservation Director Amanda ‘Marti’ Martino, JD, will step into the role of interim executive director.
“We are thrilled to see Marti transition into this leadership role. She is a natural fit for the job and has a proven track record with our organization,” said the BMLT Board of Directors. “The combination of institutional knowledge and passion for conservation makes her the right person to further BMLT’s mission.”
As our most senior staff person and responsible for much of the growth and success BMLT has experienced in our conservation work in the last five years, Marti will continue to guide the transition and transformation of the organization. Marti played a crucial role in building and managing the conservation program and partner relationships throughout the 11-county Blue Mountain service region. Through her leadership and strategic planning, Marti quadrupled the acres of protected land, with over 22,000 acres of preserved working farms, ranches, and wildlife habitat. Marti led a team to complete four conservation easements and one fee acquisition property – the largest and most complex projects in the history of the organization.
“My vision for the land trust this year is that our organization will strengthen and refine our existing programs, internal structures, and partner and community commitments. We have big conservation goals for the coming years and this will set the stage for future success.”
- Amanda Martino
Photo by Meaghan Leigh Photography
With a passion for the outdoors, Marti has devoted her career and personal life to environmental conservation and stewardship. As a law student, she interned for nonprofit organizations, advocating to protect endangered species, critical habitats and creating climate legislation. After graduation, Marti worked for local attorneys on pollution enforcement cases. While this work was rewarding and essential for protecting our region and nation’s resources, she often felt the work came after the damage had already been done. These sentiments sparked her interest in the work of land trusts to proactively protect fish and wildlife habitats, open spaces, and water resources for future generations. Marti joined BMLT in 2017 when the organization opened the John Day, Oregon office to expand its service area. She was drawn to the opportunity to work with people and partners from all walks of life to provide solutions to land and water preservation.
Marti holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental science and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Siena Heights University. Marti received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Oregon School of Law in 2016 with a concentration in environmental and natural resources law. Currently, she is a licensed attorney in Washington state.
In addition to her work with BMLT, Marti serves as vice president of the Coalition of Oregon Land Trust (COLT) Board and on the John Day Basin Partnership Steering and Fundraising Committees. Outside of BMLT, Marti has been a member of the Citizens Utility Board since May 2020, and a volunteer with Grant-Harney Court Appointed Special Advocates since November 2019.
Earlier this year, Tim Copeland retired after serving as the executive director of BMLT. We are grateful for his contribution to the organization and community over the past seven years. During the first phase of the transition period, BMLT Board Director Greg Brown devoted significant time and effort serving as interim executive director in addition to leading Blues Crew, our volunteer trail stewardship group. We will continue building on BMLT’s strong foundation of success in providing conservation, natural resource education, and recreation stewardship to the Blue Mountain ecoregion.
“My vision for the land trust this year is that our organization will strengthen and refine our existing programs, internal structures, and partner and community commitments. We have big conservation goals for the coming years and this will set the stage for future success. BMLT covers a large service area with many diverse interests, and it’s important for us to continue and increase our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work,” said Marti.
We thank our community members for your continued support as we move forward on BMLT’s journey to protect landscapes and natural resources for future generations.
Interested in learning more? Get in touch with us.
Bennett Ranch
Over 8,000 acres are now permanently protected to support agriculture, fish, and wildlife in eastern Oregon.