The South Alabama Land Trust is entering 2026 with new board leadership and several new members as the nonprofit expands its land conservation efforts across Baldwin and Mobile Counties.

According to a news release, Paul Marcinko of Fairhope has been named president of the board of directors, succeeding Bob Holk of Magnolia Springs. Marcinko is an engineer with Jade Consulting and brings professional experience in land-use planning along with a personal commitment to conservation.

“There is an urgent need to protect land at its natural state in coastal Alabama,” Marcinko said in the release. “I just don’t want to see our natural resources squandered. I respect SALT’s work and want to help bring more conservation victories to the region.”

Holk will remain in a leadership role, transitioning to chairman of the board of directors and replacing Chesley Allegri. Allegri and outgoing board member Rodney Kilgore will continue their involvement with the organization as volunteers for SALT’s largest annual fundraiser, the Bald Eagle Bash. The 2026 event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25.

In addition to the leadership changes, SALT welcomed six new board members: Carl Couret, Chuck Harmon, Veronica Herndon, Phillip Hinesley, Jeremy Milling and Greg Strachan. Their professional backgrounds include natural resource conservation, education, marketing, real estate, nonprofit leadership and banking, skills that align with the organization’s mission to permanently protect coastal land.

“We are fortunate to have these folks join our leadership team,” said Jane Herndon, executive director of SALT. “Our board members are dedicated to SALT’s mission, and they bring diverse creativity to the table to help bring land deals to fruition. It’s a great way to start a new year of land conservation!”

Founded in 1990, SALT is a nationally accredited land trust that works with landowners and community partners to conserve ecologically significant property. The organization has protected more than 13,000 acres across Baldwin and Mobile Counties, preserving wildlife habitat, coastal lands, shorelines along creeks, rivers and bays, clean water resources and the scenic landscapes that define coastal Alabama.

More information about the South Alabama Land Trust is available at www.southalabamalandtrust.org.