The District

Stephanie Taylor (Executive Director)

Stephanie Taylor was hired in December 2024 as Executive Director, bringing a broad environmental background spanning marine science, horticulture, and environmental science. She holds associate degrees in Marine Science and Horticulture from Southern Maine Community College and a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Southern Maine. Before joining KCSWCD, she worked in stormwater management for the City of South Portland, where she created Maine’s first Adopt a Storm Drain program, combining environmental education, community engagement, and hands-on conservation. Beyond her professional work, Stephanie enjoys exploring and photographing Maine’s natural world.

Laura Lecker (Conservation Technican)

Laura Lecker has been the Technical Director for Somerset County SWCD since 2007, working closely with Kennebec County throughout the years and recently hired as a part-time consultant.  She enjoys working with farmers and landowners on nutrient management and conservation planning.  She is a Nationally Certified Crop Advisor, Natural Resources Conservation Service Certified Conservation Planner, Comprehensive and Certified Nutrient Management Planner and Maine Certified Soil Scientist.

Prior to working at the District, Laura was a Soil Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. She received a B.S. in Soil Science from the University of New Hampshire and an M.S. in Ecology from Penn State University.

After years of wild bird rehabilitation and witnessing the devastating impact of early mowing on bobolink nestlings, Laura launched the Ag Allies grassland bird program in 2016. Since then, she has led the program while field training at Cornell and working with Dr. Noah Perlut on his long-term grassland bird study in Vermont.

Tom Gary and John at a board meeting

The District is governed by a Board of Supervisors, as defined and mandated by Maine State law. The Board consists of five members: three are elected to staggered three-year terms, while two are appointed based on recommendations to the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry (DACF).

Our Board reflects the geographic diversity of the communities we serve. Board members live in Augusta, Chelsea, Pittston, Albion, Winslow, and Oakland, representing communities across the region.

Board of Supervisors

  • Tom Doore; Chairperson

  • Mary Street

  • Gary Wheeler; Treasurer

  • Karen Sparrow; Vice Chairperson

  • Chuck Noyes

Associate Supervisors

  • Ken Laustsen

  • Bob Duplessie

Board meetings are open to the public and are on the second Monday every month unless it falls on a holiday. If you are interested in attending or joining our board, please contact us or visit our board meetings page here.

For a copy of our latest Annual Report, click here.