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“ESLC is fortunate to be bolstered by a diverse and skillful board of directors,� said Jim Mullin, ESLC board chair. “Alex and Natalie’s passion for conservation and deep understanding of economics, investment and agricultural trade will prove invaluable as ESLC continues to conserve, steward and advocate for the unique and abundant rural landscape of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.�

A recently retired economist, Gilchrist coordinated agricultural trade and assistance programs between the U.S. and the newly independent states of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union at the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. He worked with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation identifying and monitoring national economic risks to the banking industry, with a focus on the Northeast (Maine to Maryland).

A resident of Chestertown and self-proclaimed naturalist, Gilchrist will join the board’s conservation programs committee.

On his new role, Gilchrist said, “Our recent migration from Philly to Chestertown felt like coming home. My sister lived in Salisbury and Tyaskin and my youngest son lived and worked on Tilghman Island. My annual treks have exposed me to the natural beauty of the Eastern Shore, and I am now at a stage of life where I can focus more on things greater than myself. I am honored to be associated with ESLC, and hope I can find some way to add value to their already excellent work.�

Natalie Birrell brings 36 years of financial services industry experience to the ESLC board of directors’ finance, investment and audit committee. President and partner of Anchorage Capital Group LLC, Birrell is responsible for overseeing Anchorage’s day-to-day operations and is a voting member of its Legacy Funds Investment Committee.

Prior to joining Anchorage, she served as the COO of Arden Asset Management and had various senior management positions with Deutsche Bank/Bankers Trust. Natalie recently served as the chair of the board of directors for the Managed Funds Association, the trade association for the global alternative asset management industry.

“I am honored to join the board of ESLC,� Birrell said. “Although I have called the Eastern Shore my home for less than a decade, I have quickly come to appreciate the deep sense of place, community and stewardship that define this region. I am excited to support ESLC’s work in protecting the land, the heritage and the way of life that makes the Shore so special for those who have lived here for generations and for those of us who are grateful to have found our way here.�