Introducing the Trust’s new President: Anders Reynolds
January 9, 2026-
As many of you know, Brad Borst is stepping down after nine years at the helm of The Wilderness Land Trust. Over the past several months, our board of directors has undertaken a national search for our next leader to carry forward the Trust’s mission.
We are thrilled to announce that Anders Reynolds will be joining the Trust as President on January 15th! Originally from Wynne, Arkansas, Anders attended Rhodes College and Johns Hopkins University. For the majority of his career, he’s engaged federal lawmakers on public land policy, most recently with the Southern Environmental Law Center and Pew Charitable Trusts. In those roles, he’s proud to have played a part in achieving durable wilderness protection for landscapes in Tennessee, Arkansas, Colorado, Nevada, and Southern Utah. His work has included building resilient coalitions of diverse stakeholders, offering policy expertise to federal decision-makers, and amplifying the passion of local advocates who love their big backyards just the way they are. He has extensive federal and state campaign experience and previously worked on Capitol Hill. He has also served as Board Chair of both the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards and the Virginia Wilderness Committee. In his free time, Anders is an avid runner, a crossword completist, a pizza enthusiast, and the proud companion of two dumpster dogs, Crash and Cora.
As the Trust continues to navigate uncertainty in the national wilderness conservation landscape, Anders’ expertise in engaging local communities and federal decision-makers alike will be invaluable. “We are thrilled to welcome Anders as our next President. His passion for wilderness is palpable, and his leadership will propel The Wilderness Land Trust’s mission forward at a pivotal moment. A natural problem solver, Anders understands the power of partnerships in addressing complex challenges, and his vision will help advance a seamless wilderness system that honors the spirit and intent of the original Wilderness Act” says Sarah Chase Shaw, board chair.
Vice President and Senior Land Specialist Aimee Rutledge adds, “The staff are all very excited about Anders joining the Trust. He brings deep experience with wilderness, intelligence, and team-building skills to navigate challenges, develop opportunities, and deepen the Trust’s impact.”
Brad will stay on through the end of January to work with Anders and the staff to ensure a successful transition. “The Wilderness Land Trust’s reputation precedes it, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining this hard-working staff and board in their efforts to protect wild places before they’re lost,” says Anders. “From ensuring recreation access to protecting watersheds, wilderness is the gold standard protection for the public lands that we all share. Making whole those shared landscapes only happens when an organization is willing to plan smartly, step in early, and work tenaciously. That’s the model The Wilderness Land Trust has refined over decades, and it’s the work I’m excited to lead. I look forward to connecting with you, our partners and supporters, in the coming weeks and months.” You can reach Anders at Anders@wildernesslandtrust.org
