Like many Adirondack paddlers, Dorothy Waldt has been entranced by the call of a loon — heard but not seen.
“There’s something romantic and mysterious about it,” Waldt said. “I don’t know that there is another bird call that gives you that feeling.”
Starting next month, Waldt, who spent her career helping large companies fill executive leadership positions, will be working full time on behalf of Adirondack loons when she takes over as executive director of the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation.
The center’s founder and longtime leader Nina Schoch will take on a new position as the center’s director of science and conservation, freeing her from the administrative duties of managing a nonprofit.
“I will have more time to contribute to our research studies, management efforts, development of our educational exhibits and outreach programs,” Schoch said. “Dorothy has an excellent background in leadership, business, program and financial management, and familiarity with the Adirondacks.”
Thinking about the world her two children will inherit, Waldt said, she grew more interested in supporting environmental and wildlife causes.
Waldt has never worked in the conservation field, but she plans to bring her mix of professional and volunteer experience to the loon center, working to bolster administrative efficiency, fundraising and expand awareness of the organization throughout the Adirondack Park and even more broadly.
Top photo: Dorothy Waldt, who spent a career as an executive recruiter, will take over as executive director of the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation in January. Photo by Zachary Matson.
This first appeared in Zach’s weekly “Water Line” newsletter. Click here to sign up.