LAKE PLACID — The Board of Directors of the Adirondack Mountain Club announced the appointment of Cortney Koenig Worrall as its new Executive Director.

Worrall is a long-time nonprofit leader with experience in conservation, development, fundraising and organizational operations. Throughout her career, Worrall has held various leadership roles at organizations, including the National Parks Conservation Association. Most recently, she served as President and CEO of the Waterfront Alliance. Worrall brings a deep connection to public lands and is committed to ADK’s mission. Worrall earned her master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental policy from Mount Holyoke College.

Worrall will lead the organization’s efforts, supporting and guiding programs focused on membership, outdoor experiences, education, conservation and publications. Her work will span multiple locations, including the Cascade Welcome Center, Heart Lake Program Center and Johns Brook Property.

“I am excited to join ADK at this important moment, and for the opportunity to bring my skills in conservation, advocacy, organizational development and fundraising to one of the most important conservation leaders in New York State,” Worrall said. “I grew up in the outdoors camping, hiking, skiing and swimming which built my love of the outdoors and a passion for environmental advocacy before it was more mainstream.”

Worrall added that she felt interest in ADK’s mission was growing, especially from the youth.

“The explosion of interest in the environment and the outdoors in younger generations is one of the major changes I have seen in my career,” she said. “Among the many opportunities for ADK, I look forward to tapping into stewarding younger generations as one part of the growth and evolution of ADK. The opportunity to bring this to the Adirondacks, the place where my children learned to cross country ski and where I have forged wonderful memories with my family, is thrilling and I can’t wait to start this journey with the very talented and dedicated team at ADK.”

Board Chair Mickey Orta lauded the announcement and said that he looked forward to her helming ADK.

“We are thrilled to bring Cortney on as our Executive Director,” he said. “Her passion, experience and knowledge of the outdoors will lead the organization for many years to come.”

Search Committee Chair Paul Leinwand highlighted the importance of ADK’s work, and said ADK was excited to welcome Worrall to the role.

“The ADK is such an important resource for all of us who rely upon and enjoy public land, and we are thrilled to have Cortney work with our amazing staff to lead the organization going forward,” he said.

ADK’s board thanked Julia Goren, who served as the Interim Executive Director since last summer, adding that she had a positive impact on the Adirondacks and ADK for the last 20 years.