Sarah Bois To Lead Linda Loring Nature Foundation As Kitty Pochman Retires After 40 Years

After a career of nearly 40 years in the Nantucket conservation arena and beyond, including the past 20 years at the helm of the Linda Loring Nature Foundation (LLNF), executive director Kitty Pochman announced Tuesday that she will retire at the end of 2026. Sarah T. Bois, PhD, the non-profit's current director of research and conservation, has been chosen as Pochman's successor.

As LLNF's first executive director, Pochman guided LLNF from its earliest years into one of Nantucket's leading conservation organizations. During her tenure, Pochman led LLNF through a strategic planning exercise that focused its vision and reinforced its mission, centering the organization on research, education, and stewardship of its 275-acre property. LLNF has grown under her leadership to include six full-time staff members, seasonal interns and fellows, and numerous volunteers.

“It has been such a joy to lead the LLNF for all these years, Pochman said. "I am proud of our work building the organization from its founding as Linda’s dream to protect the land to where we are today with an enthusiastic and dynamic staff, robust research and dynamic education programs, and serene walking trails. We continue to strive to be a leader of sustainability education and community climate resiliency, adaptations, and solutions that will protect this property for generations to come and enjoy and find their place in nature.”

Prior to joining LLNF, Pochman served as the executive director of the Maria Mitchell Association from 1988 through 2005, helping that organization to become renowned in astronomy, environmental education, and as a repository of some of Nantucket’s most important history.

Earlier this year, Pochman was honored with the 2026 Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) Leadership Award, the organization's highest distinction. She spent nine years on the board of ANCA, including a term as board president.  

“We are sad to lose Kitty’s expertise and talents,” said Daniel Drake, president of the LLNF Board of Trustees. “Over the past two decades, she has guided the Foundation with an unwavering commitment to Linda Loring’s intention to preserve the unique parcel of land she assembled in the 1950s and to convert the property into an environmental laboratory and classroom as significant as any on the island. We thank Kitty for her magnificent contribution to the Foundation and wish her continuing success and happiness.”

As Pochman's successor, Bois brings experience in ecological research, environmental education, and nonprofit leadership. She received her PhD in 2012 from the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut and has built her career in nonprofit conservation work. She has been with LLNF for more than 12 years.

“I am honored to be chosen as the next executive director of the Linda Loring Nature Foundation,” said Bois. “Kitty has created strong roots for the organization. Along with our amazing team, I look forward to stewarding us in this next phase as we continue our work, based in science and ecological education.”

Bois will start in her new role with LLNF on January 1, 2027. In preparing for the transition, the LLNF said it remains committed to its mission of protecting Nantucket's biodiversity, advancing scientific research, and preparing future generations to care for the island's natural world.

“Sarah brings to the position both the academic experience and the leadership acumen that are needed for LLNF to continue to grow,” said Drake. “We look forward to her direction and continuing accomplishments.”