Jun. 28—DALLAS — Barbara Romanansky, director of development for 12 years, has retired from the North Branch Land Trust — and she said she is looking forward to spending more time in her kayak, traveling and becoming more involved with the Adaptive World.
Romanansky joined the NBLT in 2008 and she has the distinction of retiring as the organization's first director of development.
"It has been an honor to be part of a small but mighty team that has conserved more than 22,000 acres of our beautiful NEPA land," Romanansky said. "It is a blessing, that in my 'second act,' I was able to be in a position where I could pursue my passion of connecting people to the land and protecting nature."
Romanansky said she will miss the interaction with NBLT donors, but she is thrilled to continue the many friendships forged over the common bond of conservation.
"This is a bittersweet moment, as I love NBLT and the work it does," she said. "I also intend to be more involved with fundraising projects for our many community nonprofits."
Romanansky is recognized regionally in the nonprofit network for her deep passion for protecting the beauty of nature and all that it offers. Her enthusiasm and willingness to take on new challenges proved instrumental in engaging donors and friends of land conservation far and wide.
She is also credited with substantially growing the donor base and building long-term relationships with many members of the Northeastern Pennsylvania community.
Executive Director Paul Lumia remarked, "Barb's passion for the protection of the natural world is contagious and she has worked tirelessly over the past 12 years to engage and educate all of us on the need to support land conservation efforts in our communities. Through Barb's leadership and passion, North Branch Land Trust's membership and donor base has grown immensely."
Lumia also said that Romanansky has also taken a leadership role over the years in managing major fundraising events to include the Trusts' Annual Dinner and Auctions.
"Even though 2020 was been a struggle at times, Barb's leadership and tenacity helped North Branch Land Trust push through it all," Lumia said. "We will miss Barb and wish her many years of health and happiness in retirement. "
Most recently, Romanansky participated in a collaborative event, helping to coordinate "The Lifeblood of Our Community" event, facilitated by Miller-Keystone Blood Center, along with her friends and colleagues of the American Cancer Society, CASA of Luzerne County, Osterhout Free Library, and Wyoming Valley Children's Association.