Loon Center welcomes Waldt as new director
The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is excited to announce the appointment of Dorothy Waldt as Executive Director, effective January 2025. Dr. Nina Schoch, the Center’s current Executive Director, will assume a larger role as the ACLC’s new Director of Science and Conservation.
“Dorothy brings a wealth of experience in management and a deep commitment to our mission for the conservation of Adirondack loons,” said Susan Semegram, Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation Board Chair. “Dorothy inspires everyone she meets, and we are confident that her leadership will guide the ACLC to new heights as Dr. Schoch moves into her new role as Director of Science and Conservation.”
Dorothy comes to the ACLC with extensive leadership experience, as well as knowledge of the Adirondack Park. With decades of senior business and volunteer management expertise, she is also a seasoned fundraiser adept at organizing passionate people in pursuit of a larger mission. Her 25+ years as a partner and managing director in executive search honed her keen ability to identify talent and provided insight into the business strategies of companies ranging from start-ups to multi-billion-dollar global corporations.
After relocating to the Adirondacks full-time from New Jersey in 2023, Dorothy quickly put down volunteer roots, establishing a marketing committee for the Northern Lights Choir, of which she is a member. Prior efforts included developing an emergency care kit distribution campaign for local NJ healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, 15+ years managing the Ridge Antiques Show – the longest-running antiques show in the Northeast – which donates all proceeds to area non-profit organizations, holding senior volunteer positions with the Glen Ridge Congregational Church, and advocating for refugee rights. She also led a grass-roots organization that convinced local and national relief organizations to significantly increase aid to 50,000+ NYC displaced, uninsured renters severely impacted by the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. For her efforts, she was ranked #1 in NJ Monthly Magazine’s feature article “Heroes of 9/11.”
Dorothy earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from SUNY Purchase. She and her husband live in Saranac Lake and enjoy paddling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and cooking. In 2011, NJ Magazine named her the Best Home Chef in New Jersey.
Dr. Nina Schoch added “Dorothy brings a vast array of leadership experience and skills to the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation. As I transition to my new role as Director of Science and Conservation, I am extremely pleased to leave the Executive Directorship in such capable hands.”
The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is a 501(c)3 non-profit that conducts scientific research and engaging educational programming to promote and inspire passion for the conservation of Common Loons in and beyond New York’s Adirondack Park.
To learn more about the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation visit www.adkloon.org or www.facebook.com/adkloon, or contact the Center at info@adkloon.org or (518) 354-8636. The Adirondack Loon Center at 75 Main St. in Saranac Lake is open from 10am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday.