South Bay : Peninsula Land Conservancy Hires New Executive Director

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy has hired a new executive director to oversee the day-to-day management of the nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving undeveloped land on the peninsula.

Kathleen McGowan of Rolling Hills Estates, who has worked primarily as an engineering consultant for private industry, started the part-time position two weeks ago. She said she hopes to increase the number of acres the organization protects, acquire more open space and work toward preserving the 50 acres the group has saved during its seven years of existence.

“I wanted to work for the organization because I think this is a terrific cause,” McGowan said. “I was at a time in my career where I could work for a nonprofit and I wanted to try working on the other side.”

McGowan replaces Judy Christmas, who held the post for four years. Christmas remains active in the organization but has vacated the position to pursue other projects.