Carlson has been at the helm of LTLT since it was founded 18 years ago.

A Macon County native, Taylor has been with LTLT since 2001, building its land protection program into one of the strongest in the Southern Blue Ridge, and she’s also served as deputy director. 

“We are so fortunate to have Sharon Taylor, who has the depth of experience and background with LTLT,” said LTLT Board of Directors Chairman Chris Brouwer. “I am confident she will lead this organization forward as we expand our impact on conservation, heritage and education across Western North Carolina.”

Taylor holds a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management with a concentration in water resources from Western Carolina University and worked as a research technician at Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory before joining LTLT. She’s excited about this new opportunity. 

“I grew up on a family farm and playing in the woods and creeks in the Burningtown Community,” she said. “I’m passionate about others having a chance to connect to the outdoors too and look forward to creating more of those opportunities.”