Lisa in her office, 2017
With heavy hearts, we share with you that Lisa Pohlmann, NRCM’s CEO from 2011-2022, passed away on Sunday, March 22. Lisa joined the NRCM team in 2000 as a member of the Board of Directors, later serving as board president and then Deputy Director under Brownie Carson. She brought to her leadership of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) a deep passion for the environment and a strong history of advocacy for the people of Maine.
She believed strongly in the power of connection—whether visiting members in their homes across Maine, speaking at the State House, or standing alongside community leaders and elected officials. Lisa had a rare ability to inspire action and bring people together, always grounding her work in both compassion and conviction.
In 2015, Lisa received one of the first “Women in Conservation” awards from the National Wildlife Federation.
While Lisa was CEO, NRCM achieved many significant successes including the establishment of Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, the completion of the Penobscot River Restoration Project, and stopping the tar sands pipeline that would have put Maine’s clean air and waters at risk.
Lisa at the summit of Katahdin in 2012 with Pete Didisheim, Lucas St. Clair, and Cathy Johnson
Lisa had a lifelong love of the outdoors and could often be found paddling a favorite river or hiking, skiing, or camping. Cobscook Bay was her favorite annual trip, but she also paddled the Allagash, hiked Katahdin, and treasured all of our state’s special places.
Those of us who got to work with Lisa will remember her enthusiasm and positive spirit. She had a desire to ensure that all voices were heard. Lisa was a Girl Scout and enjoyed connecting with former Scouts, embracing opportunities to lead summer camp songs. She and NRCM’s Sustainability team worked in partnership with the Girl Scouts to create a Sustainable Maine patch featuring NRCM’s logo!
Lisa at NRCM’s annual meeting, talking with members of Protect South Portland
When asked why she chose to do the work she did, she responded, “I feel lucky every day to have spent my adult life in this beautiful state. As they say, ‘I’m not from here, but I got here as soon as I could.’ I am absolutely determined to make sure the nature of Maine is intact and here to enjoy for generations to come.”
We are grateful for Lisa’s leadership over many years. NRCM wouldn’t be the same without her.
Our thoughts are with Lisa’s family and friends during this difficult time. They have asked (at Lisa’s request) that gifts in her memory be given to NRCM in support of our work to keep our waters clean, our forests vibrant, and ensuring that our incredible outdoor recreation opportunities are here for generations to come.
Lisa loved, loved, loved Maine and its natural resources and beauty. She met the moment as NRCM’S executive director, whether in supporting the staff’s assessment of opportunities and threats for Maine’s environment, in defending the organization from Gov. LePage’s huffing and buffing, or in navigating the board, NRCM’s members, and the staff through the uncertainty of COVID. Lisa’s impact will be felt for years to come.
I joined the NRCM board because of Lisa. She was dogged in her determination, always thoughtful, and listened openly with her lovely smile. Emily and I will miss her.
I was truly moved reading about Lisa’s life and the impact she had — her passion and dedication really shone through in your words. It reminded me how one person’s love for nature and advocacy can inspire so many others, and it made me reflect on the legacy we each leave behind.
Lisa was a lovely person graced with a quiet fortitude. She was a great teacher. Bless her.
Lisa was a beautiful, positive person and so, so smart. Her enthusiasm was contagious. I’m grateful to have known her. She leaves us all an incredible legacy.
My path crossed with Lisa a long time ago, and briefly, when I was a young advocate starting out at NRCM. Even so, I have fond memories of interacting with Lisa. She was kind, patient, extremely smart and exuded a quiet optimism. She will be missed by many.
Lisa and I joined the NRCM board the same year—2000–and we served together for 7 years. Her quiet passion and commitment to the environment shine as beacons to us all who share her love for Maine’s woods and waters. My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and the NRCM family she served for so many years.
Lisa was a wonderful spirit who did good for the world, loved her family and friends, and accomplished much during her time on this Earth. She will be missed. My condolences to her family.
Lisa was my kid sister. She was such a happy radiant child and such loving, smart, talented and dedicated adult. She most definitely left the world a better place than she found it. From New Hope for Women to the Maine Center for Economic Policy to NRCM she made a difference. I just hope she always understood just how much I respected and loved her. She was truly special. I will miss her every day.
Enthusiastic and admired head of NRCM, ukulele player, paddler, Polar Dip dunker, happy camper, great friend, almost-twin (older by one day — and I never let her forget it), Pemaquid Co-op fish dinner connoisseur, and mentor during my stint as campaign volunteer. I watched Lisa get hugs everywhere she went. She will be remembered for a long time. Jock and I salute her and her many wonderful contributions to our great state of Maine.
I knew of Lisa, who didn’t? I never got to meet her but I wish I had! I could only wish to be the advocate that she was! I what a legacy she has left!!
I met Lisa years ago soon after she came to Maine, then kept track of her through my sister, a Mainer. Anyone who fights for the environment like she did, gladdens my heart. We have all lost a treasure.
Lisa’s presence was felt far and wide. Long before I ever communicated with her directly, I heard and read about the influence she’d had on people I knew who valued the NRCM. I remember her kindness and integrity. And I’m grateful to make a donation in her honor!