The Bainbridge Island Land Trust has named Cullen Brady its next executive director.

Brady, the director of Development and Communications, will begin his new role Jan. 1.

Brady served for two years on the board of directors, including on the organization’s Executive Committee, before joining the staff.

During his time as a board member, Brady helped develop and lead the unprecedented Stand for the Land campaign – which has raised nearly $8 million for island conservation and protected over 100 acres of critical habitats. He also led development and adoption of the organization’s five-year strategic plan.

Prior to his involvement with the Land Trust, Brady served in development and government relations roles with The Wilderness Society, Sustainable Northwest and The Nature Conservancy.

“Cullen’s conservation experience, innovative thinking, and reputation as an inspiring and engaging leader make him ideally suited to shape the next chapter of the Land Trust’s 32- year history,” said Ed Gilbert, board president.

As executive director, Brady will help advance the organization’s new strategic goals while fostering collaboration with island and regional organizations.

Jane Stone, who is retiring as executive director, said, “Cullen’s commitment to conservation and this community is unwavering – and under his leadership, the Land Trust’s focus on the land and waters that nourish us, the wildlife we share our habitat with, and the impacts that ripple out into Puget Sound will only grow stronger.”

Brady will be expected to propel the island’s leading conservation organization to expand on its mission—to conserve and steward the diverse natural environments of BI for the benefit of all.

He said the Land Trust “works at the intersection of science and community to implement conservation and stewardship programs so that nature and our community can thrive.”

Raised in the Midwest, Cullen has lived on the island for 10 years. He has a master’s degree in Marine Affairs from the University of Washington. He lives on BI with his husband, Michael Scott.