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 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!
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.
