North Salem Open Land Foundation (NSOLF), a non-profit land trust founded in 1974, announces that the Board of Directors has appointed Joyce Leiz to serve as the foundation’s new Executive Director beginning July 6, 2026.
Leiz will be replacing Executive Director John Baker who announced his retirement last year.
John Baker joined NSOLF in June 2022 as Executive Director, overseeing daily operations, stewardship and development. Under Baker's leadership, the organization saw tremendous growth. His accomplishments include: acquisition of 168-acres off of Hardscrabble Road and new initiatives such as Pitch in for Preserves and the Baxter Sentinel Tree Program. Over the past four years, Baker has bolstered the foundation’s mission to preserve and take care of open space in North Salem and the surrounding area.
Joyce Leiz brings extensive non-profit leadership experience in conservation and development. Most recently, Leiz served as the Executive Director of the Connecticut Audubon Society. Prior to this, she held a number of roles including Director of Development and Chief Operating Officer. During her tenure, Leiz advanced Connecticut Audubon’s recognition as a statewide environmental advocate. She helped pass numerous conservation initiatives, including one of the most important environmental victories in years: a neonics (pesticide) ban on turf grass, covering roughly 300,00 acres of lawn and golf courses.
Baker and Leiz will work together to ensure a smooth transition of North Salem Open Land Foundation’s operations and strategic plan. “Following an extensive search process, I am delighted that our leadership transition is right in step with the Foundation's vision for and commitment to protecting our town’s unique rural character. I hope you share my excitement as our next half-century of land conservation marches forward,” says NSOLF Board Chair Pam Pooley.