The District

Stephanie Taylor (Executive Director)

Stephanie Taylor was hired in December 2024 as Executive Director, bringing a diverse scientific background with degrees in horticulture, marine science, and environmental science. Most recently, she worked in stormwater management for South Portland, where she created Maine's first Adopt a Storm Drain program, demonstrating her commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. Beyond her professional work, Stephanie enjoys exploring nature through photography.

Dale Finseth (Retiring Executive Director)

Dale served as Executive Director of the Kennebec County Soil & Water Conservation District from 2001 to 2024, guiding the organization through significant environmental conservation initiatives. He now supports the district part-time, focusing on training the incoming executive director and coordinating the annual Envirothon competition.

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).

Board of Supervisors

  • Tom Doore; Chairperson

  • Mary Street

  • Gary Wheeler; Treasurer

  • Karen Sparrow; Vice Chairperson

  • Chuck Noyes

Associate Supervisors

  • Ken Laustsen

  • John Branscom

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, please contact us.