By Mary Haskell – Development Officer
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Briefly Describe Your Role At The Council
As Development Officer, I help the Council meet its fundraising goals. I work closely with Janine Scherline, Director of Development, to engage donors and strengthen relationships over time. My first few weeks were spent preparing for our 50th anniversary celebration at Forever Wild Day—an ideal introduction to the Council and its supporters. I’m so grateful this role allows me to do work I care about while meeting great people who love the place I live.
It’s 5:00 on a Friday and you’re leaving the office for the weekend. Where are you going, what are you
doing?
Friday is the most important day of the week—it’s pizza night at Dogwood Bakery. My husband, our Great Pyrenees, and I take the scenic route, stopping at our Amish friend’s farmstand for fresh sourdough doughnuts along the way. It’s a beautiful drive, often punctuated by wildlife sightings—most memorably, a young black bear who seemed intrigued by the scent of our carbohydrate-laden car. Fridays always remind us how fortunate we are to live in a community where local food establishments prioritize sourcing ingredients from nearby farms.
What’s one thing people don’t know about the Adirondacks, but should?
One thing many people don’t realize about the Adirondacks is how dark and special our night sky is. Before moving here, I expected good meteor showers—but I didn’t anticipate being able to see nebulae with the naked eye. It’s clear that local governments are committed to limiting light pollution, and I’ve personally benefited from the Council’s advocacy on this issue. Shortly after moving here, I witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime Northern Lights display after a major solar storm—the aurora danced over our homestead for hours, more vividly than anywhere else I’ve seen in the world.
What is one issue that we are engaged in that means a lot to you?
For the past 10 years, the Adirondack Council has supported agricultural sustainability in the region. With a background in nonprofit agriculture, this work is especially meaningful to me. The Council’s micro-grant program has helped reduce emissions, divert waste, conserve water, and save farmworkers thousands of hours through improved efficiency. Farmers are the backbone of every community, and I’m proud to be part of an organization that values their vital role. I look forward to seeing the Council’s continued support for Adirondack farms and working lands in the years ahead as we all navigate climate change.
Looking for more ways to get involved with the Council?