SKOWHEGAN - The Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District is pleased to announce that it has hired Rachel White of Canaan, Maine, as its new executive director.

Rachel brings a diverse professional and personal background in environmental science and natural resources management that will benefit the District in its mission. She is currently a graduate student at the University of Maine in Orono, where she is a PhD candidate in the Ecology and Environmental Sciences program as well as in the One Health & the Environment National Science Foundation Research Traineeship.

“The district supervisors are excited to have Rachel’s talents, enthusiasm and experience to guide our current programs and lead future efforts to network with landowners and entities toward the protection of Somerset’s County’s natural resources. Rachel is engaging and ready to dive in,” says Ann Mefferd, the District’s board chairperson.

Rachel’s love of Maine's farming and environmental communities fueled her desire to learn more about the agriculture-ecology interface. She spent several years volunteering and working for various environmental nonprofits in Maine as well as taught high school science.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with residents of Somerset County on issues related to natural resources and agriculture,” says Rachel. “I look forward to bringing my expertise to District educational and workshop efforts, including the Invasive Plant Paddle August 26 to discuss milfoil in the Kennebec River.”

Joe Dembeck, the District’s previous Executive Director, will remain on staff for two months to assist Rachel’s transition into her new role. This transition time will ensure the District retains the quality and scope of services for which it is known. The District staff and board look forward to its 2023 programs and events that will highlight our staff’s full breadth of skills and abilities.