Lancaster County Conservancy announces that Philip R. Wenger, a local business owner and community leader, will become its next Chief Executive Officer effective December 1, 2015. Phil retired from active leadership at Isaac’s Famous Grilled Sandwiches in 2014. His success as an entrepreneur, his passion and proven track record for helping organizations grow and his vision and leadership capabilities will enable him to move the Lancaster County Conservancy forward. He will build on the Conservancy’s proven ability to protect natural lands, preserve clean air and fresh water, provide educational programs for our children and adults, and make our precious natural lands accessible for Lancastrians to enjoy.
Over the last 30 years, Phil has successfully led numerous community organizations, serving as Board Chair of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Lancaster County Community Foundation, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, and Lancaster County Coalition to End Homelessness, among others. He currently serves as Vice Chair of Lancaster General Health.
Phil replaces current CEO, Michael Burcin, who will retire at the end of 2015. Phil inherits a Conservancy that protects over 5,400 acres and in recent years has transformed the former Camp Snyder in Pequea, PA into the Susquehanna Riverlands Research & Education Center at Climbers Run Nature Preserve. Children from community organizations including Milagro House, The Mix at Arbor Place, the Lancaster Recreation Center, Head Start and others, elementary, middle and high schools, and university students are connecting with and benefiting from nature at this wonderful environmental education and research facility.
