FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Leadership Search Underway at Saratoga PLAN as Executive Director Plans Retirement
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., January 30, 2026 – Local land trust Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) announced today that Executive Director Robert K. Davies will retire in June 2026, following more than four years of leading the organization as one of the Capital Region’s most respected nonprofit land conservation groups. Saratoga PLAN has launched a search for its next executive director, with an anticipated start date in May 2026.
“Rob’s leadership has defined PLAN’s vision for the future,” said Jessica Schwartzman, chair of Saratoga PLAN’s Board of Directors. “His integrity, dedication, and deep respect for landowners and local communities have built an organization that is trusted, effective, and poised for the future. We are grateful for his service and proud of the legacy he leaves behind.”
Since joining Saratoga PLAN in 2022, Davies has been instrumental in setting organizational priorities and growing impact. Under his leadership, the organization will have permanently protected more than 2,350 acres of farmland, forests, wildlife habitat, and scenic landscapes across Saratoga County. Davies responded to the community’s need to increase the pace of conservation by increasing staff capacity and establishing three new positions. He has focused on building strong partnerships with private landowners, municipalities, conservation allies and community members. These partnerships have led to the opening of the new 127-acre Curtis Preserve in the Town of Corinth, the permanent protection of Snake Hill, once Saratoga Lake’s largest remaining unprotected shoreline property, and the creation of the Graphite Range Community Forest as part of the larger Palmertown Initiative.
Reflecting on his time at PLAN, Davies said, “It has been a privilege to work alongside landowners, staff, board members, volunteers, and partners who care deeply about this region and are committed to keeping it a place where people want to live, work, visit and play. Together, we’ve protected lands that will continue to define the Saratoga region for generations. I am confident Saratoga PLAN is well-positioned for its next chapter.”
PLAN’s board has launched a national search for the next executive director, who will build on the organization’s strong foundation and guide efforts to advance local conservation in alignment with its 2025-2030 strategic plan. The incoming leader will work closely with partners to protect remaining farmland in the Saratoga region and advance the Palmertown Initiative, a multi-partner effort to conserve the foothills to the Adirondacks while expanding recreation and supporting regional economic development.
The board is seeking a mission-driven, collaborative leader with strong strategic, fundraising, and organizational management skills, and a passion for environmental conservation.
More information is available at saratogaplan.org/executivedirector. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
About Saratoga PLAN
Saratoga PLAN stewards and protects farms, forests, and waters of the Saratoga region and the southern Adirondack foothills – now and forever.
Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) has helped conserve over 14,000 acres of land in Saratoga County. PLAN helps landowners conserve farmland, woodlands, and natural habitats, and connects people to nature through an extensive trail network, including 13 public nature preserves open for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and nature study. Saratoga PLAN helps communities create plans that balance growth with conservation to sustain the Saratoga Region as a great place to live, work, visit, play and farm. PLAN facilitates community-based conservation by partnering with municipalities to help them accomplish their community’s conservation goals.
For more information, call 518-587-5554, or visit www.saratogaplan.org.
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Photo by: petesig Photography