Lowcountry Land Trust is thrilled to announce the appointment of Matt Williams as its next President & Chief Executive Officer, effective September 15, 2025. Williams succeeds Ashley Demosthenes, who led the Land Trust for the past decade and helped position the organization as a leading voice for land conservation in the Lowcountry.
After a six-month nationwide search, Williams was selected from an outstanding group of applicants. With extensive experience in conservation and a demonstrated vision for accelerating the protection of critical Lowcountry landscapes, he was a standout candidate to lead the organization during this time of exponential growth. The Board and search committee extend their gratitude to Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel Sydney Cook, who stepped in as interim CEO, for guiding the Land Trust during this transition period.
“Matt brings exceptional philanthropic experience and an inspiring vision for the future of conservation in our region,” said Bob Perry, Board of Trustees Chair at Lowcountry Land Trust. “From an impressive group of applicants, Matt stood out for his deep conservation knowledge and ability to forge strong partnerships. We are confident he will build on our legacy and propel the organization into its next 40 years.”
Williams joins Lowcountry Land Trust from The Nature Conservancy South Carolina Chapter, where he served as associate director of philanthropy and played a key role in securing significant funding for land protection projects, including the recent acquisition of Chelsea Plantation. His career also includes executive leadership roles at The International Conservation Caucus Foundation and The Explorers Club, where he led initiatives focused on conservation policy, research, and exploration.
Dale Threatt-Taylor, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy South Carolina Chapter, commented: “Of course, we are sad to see Matt leave The Nature Conservancy, but glad he is joining Lowcountry Land Trust. We know that conservation is a shared mission, and having Matt at the helm will strengthen the collective work we’re all doing to protect South Carolina’s natural resources.”
As President & CEO, Williams will also lead the Land Trust’s strategic efforts to connect the community to conservation at the Lowcountry Center for Conservation, nurture relationships between people and place at the future Angel Oak Preserve, and facilitate the creation of community-owned community lands in historic neighborhoods.
“I am honored to join Lowcountry Land Trust at such a pivotal moment for conservation in the region,” Williams said. “The Lowcountry is growing rapidly, and much is at stake. I look forward to working alongside the talented staff, dedicated partners, and generous supporters to accelerate the pace of land protection and ensure future generations can experience the beauty and quality of life that define this extraordinary place.”
