Three new staff joined Alberta Ecotrust over the summer, replenishing the employee ranks and bringing the team up to full capacity. Described as "a welcome new step for us," by executive director Pat Letizia, the hirings "have added some real strength to our programs and operations."

Additions to the team include Kim Kiel, who manages the foundation's grants and capacity-building programs. With past work as a nature interpreter and as the education director for the Southern Alberta Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Kim brings some stellar credentials and experience to her position, as well as an abiding passion for all things outdoors.

Kurt Archer, who was a recipient of one of Alberta Ecotrust's Youth Environment Stewardship (YES) program, made such an impression that he was hired by the foundation as a program coordinator. He now manages the YES program, supports Kim with the mainstream grants, and provides much-appreciated IT support for the foundation. Although still in his mid-20s, Kurt has an impressive resume of world travel and environmental entrepreneurship. His latest venture is "my world, my choice" a program that teaches school children about sustainability.

The third addition to the team is Bart Robinson, who handles communications for the foundation. Although Bart is probably best known to Albertans as a co-author of The Canadian Rockies Trail Guide, he has enjoyed a long career as a journalist and editor, a business and communications consultant, and a conservationist. Among other credits, he was a founding editor of Equinox Magazine, and executive director of the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative.

Kim, Kurt and Bart join Pat Letizia, Cheryl De Paoli (senior manager) and Birgit Becker (administrator) to round out the Alberta Ecotrust team.

Kim, Kurt and Bart's arrival, says Letizia, bring great new energy and ideas to the foundation. "With new people come new perspectives," she says, "and we're taking full advantage of the fresh thinking to review and refine much of what we do. It's an exciting time for all of us."

To see complete profiles of all the members of the Alberta Ecotrust team, click here.