Connie Waddington has been named interim executive director of the Bainbridge Island Land Trust, officials with the nonprofit announced Tuesday.

Waddington replaces Hallie Stevens, the trust’s new executive director who took the helm of the organization Jan. 16.

Officials with the land trust said Stevens returned to her former home state of Florida, where she was needed to care for her elderly parents.

“While Hallie’s departure was unexpected, we understand her decision to leave to care for her aging parents,” said Tom Goodlin, president of the land trust.

Waddington has volunteered with the organization for 20 years. She started as a board member in the 1990s and returned to the board in 2012.  She remained active in volunteering with the land trust after completing her first six years on the board of directors, and officials said she worked tirelessly on the application for accreditation for the land trust, which was awarded in January.

Waddington will be assisted by Asha Rehnberg, who served as the land trust’s executive director from July 2008 to January 2013.

“Looking ahead, we are confident that Connie’s leadership and Asha’s assistance will sustain our momentum with land conservation work while we begin the search for a new director,” Goodlin said. “It will be a seamless transition.”

Waddington will step down from the board for the land trust while she serves as interim executive director.