For Immediate Release
Contact: Karen Keene
Kkeene@monmouthconservation.org
M. 908-839-0324
Middletown, NJ. (January 27, 2026) – Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) announces that after 14 years, William D. Kastning, Executive Director, is transitioning out as part of a long-planned move out of state and to pursue other opportunities nearer to his new geography. This announcement comes as part of a succession planning process that the MCF Board of Trustees established in early 2025 to work closely with leadership and staff on the transition, and to facilitate the search for Kastning’s successor.
Photo by Tine Colella Photography.
“The Board of Trustees is thankful for Bill’s leadership during a meaningful period for the organization,” said Matthew Cohen (Board President). “We appreciate his service and look ahead with confidence as the organization enters its next phase.”
During his tenure at MCF, Kastning hired and mentored an outstanding staff and guided the organization through major milestones. Under Kastning’s leadership, MCF worked alongside federal, state, county, local community, and landowner partners to support the creation and revitalization of multiple community parks and preserve open space, farmland, and critical wildlife habitats. The organization engaged in local advocacy efforts for the statewide Keep it Green Campaign, expanding recreational access and funding for open space, farmland, and historic preservation throughout the state. Additionally, funds were raised for the acquisition, restoration, and stewardship of the historic 90-acre Scudder Preserve, the organization’s first permanent land holding featuring conservation education and community outreach as a strategic anchor to be incorporated into MCF’s next chapter.
“It has been a privilege to lead the organization during a period of growth and evolution,” Kastning said. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in advancing MCF’s mission and strengthening the organization for the future, and I’m confident in the foundation in place for the next chapter of leadership.”
During the transition period, MCF will be ably led by senior staff members Jena Cosimo (Director of Acquisitions) and Karen Keene (Director of Development and Communications) as Acting Co-Directors.
The MCF Board of Trustees has retained DSG | Koya, an executive recruiting firm that specializes in mission-driven search, to conduct the search for MCF’s next leader, which will formally launch in February, 2026. The search firm can be reached at monmouth@koyapartners.com.
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About Monmouth Conservation Foundation
Founded in 1977, Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) works to acquire and preserve open space and farmland and conserve natural habitats throughout Monmouth County in support of outdoor recreation, agriculture, clean water, and wildlife for long-term sustainability. An independent nonprofit organization that works with Monmouth County and its 53 municipalities, MCF’s vision is to lead conservation and education efforts to preserve and protect our natural environment, so all individuals and communities have access to and can benefit from open space and nature for generations to come. MCF received accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission in 2014 and has continued to maintain this status since. Accreditation is awarded to land trusts meeting the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence. MCF is one of 478 accredited land trusts out of 1,281 nationwide. For more information, visit www.monmouthconservation.org.