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For those who sometimes worry about the world of tomorrow, they need only to take a look at the St. Simons Land Trust Ambassadors to know that the future is in good hands. Created to help advance the mission of the Land Trust through engagement of the area’s younger community leaders, the SSLT Ambassadors have been an integral part of the organization for nearly a decade.
Comprised of naturalists, artists, graphic designers, photographers, business owners, entrepreneurs, realtors, attorneys, marketers, and other young professionals, many Ambassadors are island natives who after college and graduate school decided to return home to begin their careers and families. Others who are newer to the area share a similar passion for coastal Georgia and want to make sure that SSI is preserved and protected not only for their generation but for all those who will live and work here in the future.
Over the years, the Ambassadors have planned and executed well-attended events for families in our island community including movie nights, bike rides across the island, and Family Days at Land Trust properties.
The group has also hosted numerous Cocktails for Conservation events at local restaurants. These gatherings are a chance for the Ambassadors to mingle with other young professional after work hours, educate attendees about the Land Trust and its projects, and encourage community members to become involved in the organization’s important work.
In 2020, when many events were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the group focused on developing the Passport to Preservation for children and families who live in and visit St. Simons Island. The passport is still widely used today and loved by locals and visitors.
–Emily Ellison, Executive Director, St. Simons Land Trust
Penn, her husband Alex, and their 15 year-old dog moved to St. Simons in August 2024 after Alex took a job in Brunswick. Her love and respect for the island’s natural beauty and wildlife developed quickly after arriving. She’s even become an amateur birdwatcher! Penn works as the Vice President of Strategic Programs at Infomedia, a software company in the automotive industry, and is a proud Georgia Tech MBA and UGA undergrad alumni.
Thank you for tremendous support, Penn! We are truly lucky to have you.
“Being a Land Trust Ambassador is truly important to me because it’s up to us and the next generation to leave the island better than we found it. Even though this won’t be our forever home, this place will forever have a place in my family’s hearts, and I’m proud to help protect it.”
— Penn Hansa
If you are interested in becoming a Land Trust Ambassador, please fill out the contact form below or email Raleigh Kitchen at [email protected]. Thank you!
