April 2017 7
Kiawah Conservancy Earns National Recognition
This spring , the Kiawah Conservancy announced it has achieved the national recognition of Land Trust Accreditation - joining a network of only 372 land trusts across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to professional excellence and to maintaining the public ’ s trust in their work .
“ Accreditation demonstrates the Kiawah Conservancy ’ s commitment to permanent land conservation ” said Kevin Cox , chairman of the Kiawah Conservancy ’ s Board of Trustees . “ We are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation program . The lands we preserve will be protected forever , ensuring the natural habitats , wildlife , and beauty of these special places remain for the enjoyment of generations to come .”
The Kiawah Conservancy had to provide extensive documentation and undergo a comprehensive review as part of its accreditation application .
“ Accredited land trusts are united behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever ," said Tammara Van Ryn , executive director of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission . " Accreditation recognizes that the Kiawah Conservancy has demonstrated sound finances , ethical conduct , responsible governance , and lasting stewardship .”
The Kiawah Conservancy is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States according to the most recent National Land Trust Census , released Dec . 1 , 2016 by the Land Trust Alliance .
A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits are detailed at landtrustaccreditation . org . The conservancy envisions all citizens of , and visitors to , this area enjoying the natural habitat , wildlife , and unique beauty of Kiawah Island for generations to come . Visit kiawahconservancy . org
KICA Land Management Director Reaches Milestone , Two Longtime Staff Members Announce Retirement
At the March 6 board meeting , KICA COO Jimmy Bailey presented Land Management Director Dave Achey with an official proclamation acknowledging his 25 years of service with the association . Dave is KICA ' s second-longest serving employee .
" During his time here , Dave has been instrumental to the growth of the association " said Bailey . " Dave ' s consistent , strong leadership , endless knowledge of the island , loyalty and passion for the living habitat has been , and will continue to be , a vital part of what makes Kiawah Island a special place to live ."
At the Annual Meeting , Bailey announced the retirement of two long-serving KICA employees : Assistant Director of Security Bob Grafing and Human Resources Director Maggie Hawkins . Between them , Bob and Maggie have a combined 43 years of experience with the association .
“ Our company has grown leaps and bounds during Maggie and Bob ' s time here ," said Bailey . " This is sad for KICA , but a wonderful new chapter for both of them , and we are forever grateful for their innumerable contributions to Kiawah ."