(Marcellus, NY – April 8, 2013) Baltimore Woods Nature Center is excited to announce the appointment of Mary Kate Hartmann as its new Executive Director. Hartmann will officially begin her new role on May 6, 2013. The Board of Directors at Baltimore Woods began their comprehensive search for a new leader in 2012 when the current head, Patty Weisse, announced her retirement after 14 years of dedicated service. Hartmann’s appointment was approved by the Board of Directors on March 26, 2013.
A creative leader, Mary Kate Hartmann brings to The Woods experience in civic engagement, fund development, public relations, volunteer leadership, and event management. She received the Syracuse “40-Under-40” Award in 2012 for her leadership and dedication to the Central New York community. Most recently, Hartmann was the Director of Development at the Landmark Theatre with prior experience in communications and fund development with the American Heart Association and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and holds a B.A. degree in English from Le Moyne College.
A native of Central New York, Hartmann has strong roots in the community and is dedicated to Baltimore Woods’ place-based education mission. “I am thrilled to be joining a thriving organization that plays such a key role in providing hands-on/minds-on science education for children both on-site in Marcellus and through the growing Nature in the City program in the Syracuse public schools.” says Hartmann.
Reflecting on her role as Executive Director, Weisse states, “Baltimore Woods has given me abundant opportunities to learn and grow. Working to give people access to the natural world has been one of my greatest life’s privileges.” During her tenure at the Woods, Weisse more than tripled the organization’s annual revenue and increased its asset base more than tenfold, led the campaign for the new building addition, and developed Nature in the City. In 2012, Weisse was awarded the Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award by Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management in “recognition for being a true agent of change and innovation” and for her role in developing Nature in the City.
Baltimore Woods’ Board of Director President Phil Mazza affirmed Hartmann’s appointment, saying, “I have every confidence that Mary Kate’s experience, knowledge and energy will guide The Woods as it continues to grow in its mission to promote environmental awareness, understanding and stewardship among all people, especially children.”
As Baltimore Woods enjoys its 47th year of service to Central New York, the Board of Directors, staff and members look forward to continuing and expanding our important role of connecting children and adults to nature.