The Maine Trails Coalition recently appointed Leigh Hallett as its new director.
The Bath-based organization, founded in 2019, champions the establishment, use and stewardship of trails in Maine and serves as a statewide voice for trail users and advocates. Hallett brings decades of nonprofit leadership, strategic communications and statewide engagement experience to MTC, positioning the coalition for growth and impact at a pivotal moment for trails in Maine.
With extensive experience in natural resource conservation and rural economic development, Hallett most recently served as the public information officer for USDA Rural Development, where she significantly expanded stakeholder engagement and statewide visibility. She previously held leadership roles at Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets and Avian Haven, leading both through periods of transition and growth. She also served as director of Agricultural Resource Development for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, providing technical, financial, marketing and conservation resources to agricultural producers, municipalities and landowners.
“It’s an honor to join MTC during such a dynamic period,” Hallett said in a press release. “As an avid trail user myself, I know that Maine’s diverse trail network is a testament to the hard work of countless people, clubs and organizations. I’m excited to work with this passionate community to build on their collective efforts.”
Hallett’s focus will be on strengthening these collaborations to further the shared mission of creating an inclusive, accessible and sustainable trail network.
Jenny Ward served as interim director during the transition and “provided invaluable leadership and stability, strengthening organizational structure, operations, and capacity at a time of growth and opportunity,” MTC said.