Juneau, AK – The Southeast Alaska Land Trust (SEALT) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Margaret Custer has been named the organization’s new Executive Director, effective August 3.
The SEALT Board of Directors selected Custer as Executive Director after a nationwide search and a three-part interview process that was conducted over the last six months. Custer was unanimously selected by the SEALT Board of Directors as the new leader of the organization.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Margaret’s caliber and experience who also has a deep understanding of our region,” says Board President, Jay Nelson. “Margaret has a proven track record of developing partnerships throughout Southeast Alaska, which is essential for continuing our efforts to protect lands important for communities. We are excited to be working with Margaret as she leads our organization in the coming years.”
Custer spent the past 13 years with the Southeast Alaska Petroleum Response Organization, managing an oil spill response team throughout 14 communities from Yakutat to Metlakatla. Her career has focused on collaborating with state and federal agencies, tribes, nonprofits, and the private sector to safeguard environmental, economic, cultural, and subsistence assets through oil spill prevention and response. Custer and her family moved to Juneau from Ketchikan in July 2021.
“I am honored to join the Southeast Alaska Land Trust,” says Custer. “SEALT’s leadership in conservation aligns with my deeply held values of community-building, environmental stewardship, respect for Indigenous cultures and traditional wisdom, and developing partnerships that benefit the greater good.”
While living in Ketchikan, Custer also served her community as Chair of the Ketchikan Community Foundation and as President of the Ketchikan First City Rotary Club. In these roles, Custer developed fundraising campaigns, led community conversations, and supported projects designed to encourage local leadership and sustainability. She also served on the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Grants Committee, considering municipal grants and CARES Act funding for local nonprofits.
“I look forward to developing close relationships within the community and renewing vital connections across the region,” says Custer. “I am committed to Southeast Alaska and cherish the experiences of this beautiful place.”