Introducing kate parks schaefer, chief conservation officer

Lowcountry Land Trust announced the appointment of Kate Parks Schaefer as its next Chief Conservation Officer (CCO), effective January 5, 2026. As CCO, Schaefer will lead Lowcountry Land Trust’s conservation strategy, oversee land protection and stewardship program staff, and strengthen partnerships with other nonprofits, regional and state entities, and private partners. Schaefer’s shared belief that land conservation is essential to managing growth and preserving clean water, natural habitats, and outdoor spaces for future generations will strengthen and accelerate Lowcountry Land Trust’s mission in the region.

“Kate brings an exceptional blend of experience, professionalism, and heart to this role,” said Matt Williams, president and CEO of Lowcountry Land Trust. “Her deep understanding of the Lowcountry, her track record of navigating complex land protection projects, and her established relationships across conservation partners make her an invaluable addition to our leadership team. We’re thrilled to welcome her from one of our closest partners in SC.”

Schaefer joins Lowcountry Land Trust from Open Land Trust (OLT), where she served as Director of Land Protection from 2020 to 2025 and delivered some of the most impactful conservation gains in the organization’s 54-year history. Under her leadership, OLT protected more than 12,200 acres—33% of its total protected acreage—within just five years. Known for her diplomacy and ability to unite diverse partners, from family landowners to county officials, funders, and the Department of Defense, Schaefer has helped shape a growing greenbelt in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions.

“As a former trustee at Lowcountry Land Trust and as a current trustee at The Open Land Trust in Beaufort, it has been my pleasure to observe and enjoy Kate’s energy and dedication to our mission,” said Charley Webb, conservation easement donor, board president of Open Land Trust, and former trustee of Lowcountry Land Trust. “Kate’s knowledge of the land protection process and all of the players involved has been paramount in saving many special places that will be appreciated for generations. We wish her well and know her new position at Lowcountry Land Trust will be a win-win for us all.”

Schaefer is a seasoned conservation professional with deep experience in regional advocacy and land protection. She brings more than nine years of policy and land-use expertise from the Coastal Conservation League, where she specialized in land-use planning, zoning, and county government, ultimately serving as South Coast Director in Beaufort. During her career, she has led successful campaigns to secure major local funding for conservation, including the 2018 Beaufort County property tax reauthorization, the 2022 sales tax referendum for the county’s Greenspace Program, and the 2024 Jasper County conservation measure. Schaefer holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Natural Resources from Clemson University and an MBA from UNC–Chapel Hill.

“I’m honored to join Lowcountry Land Trust at such a pivotal moment for conservation in the Lowcountry,” Schaefer said. “This landscape is globally significant and deeply meaningful to the communities who call it home. I look forward to working with landowners and partners to accelerate land protection efforts and ensure the Lowcountry remains intact and resilient forever.”