The Harpswell Heritage Land Trust announced today that Matt Newberg has been hired as Executive Director to fill the position left vacant when Julia McLeod left the Trust in July.

For the last five years, Newberg, a Harpswell resident, has been Head of School at the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences in Hinckley. Previously, he was a teacher and administrator at the Hyde School in Bath.

The Maine Academy of Natural Sciences is the first public charter high school in the state. As Head of School, Newberg conducted two strategic plans, managed a budget of almost $3 million, created a strong professional culture for 40 employees and oversaw a contract renewal with the Maine Department of Education’s Charter School Commission.

Lew Hinman, a trustee and member of the search committee says, “Matt demonstrated proven leadership skills in our discussions with him. He inherits an exceptional team at HHLT, and we are excited for the organization going forward.”

Newberg earned a BS in Environmental Education from the University of Vermont in 1996. He also holds a Certificate of Graduate Study in Leadership Studies from the University of Southern Maine.

Newberg grew up in Harpswell and moved back to the town four years ago to “provide a multi- generational living situation for his mother and his 9-year-old son.” He is eager to renew his ties to the community and looks forward to working with HHLT’s many partner institutions.

Regarding the new position, Mr. Newberg said, “I am honored and excited to serve the Harpswell Community in which I live and grew up; it is a truly special place.”

In filling the Executive Director’s post, the Trust worked with Starboard Leadership Consulting, a Bangor-based firm that specializes in nonprofit organizations in New England.