SWCD Announces New Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SKOWHEGAN – The Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District is pleased to announce the hiring of Heather Holland as its new Executive Director.
Holland is a farmer, entrepreneur, and community leader with two decades of experience in New England’s agricultural sector. She and her husband own Outland Farm & Brewery, a 75-acre farm in Pittsfield, where they raise animals on pasture as a way to improve soil health, restore the land, and demonstrate the connection between conservation, agriculture, and community. Her background blends hands-on land stewardship with leadership roles across several nonprofits and mentoring work for agricultural businesses, giving her a unique perspective on both the challenges and opportunities facing Somerset County.
“We’re excited to welcome Heather as the District’s executive director,” said Ann Mefferd, Chair of the Somerset SWCD Board of Supervisors. “She has a fantastic understanding of our county and the folks we serve as well as leadership experience that will no doubt benefit our district.”
For Holland, conservation isn’t abstract — it’s daily life. “I’m eager to work alongside landowners, farmers, and residents to continue the District’s strong work, and to bring my own experiences to support and expand those efforts,” she said. “I believe in the power of working lands to provide for people today while protecting opportunities for the next generation.”
Holland looks forward to supporting the District’s dedicated staff and supervisors, strengthening relationships in the community, and helping connect residents to resources that make conservation both accessible and impactful.
The District also extends its deep gratitude to outgoing Executive Director Jennifer Zweig Hebert, whose financial aptitude and leadership strengthened the District’s programs. During her tenure, she streamlined internal operations, improved systems for staff and supervisors, and ensured the District was well-positioned to serve the community effectively for years to come. Hebert recently accepted a position with the Town of Mercer and continues to serve the Town of Starks. “I truly enjoyed working for the Somerset SWCD and I will miss all of my colleagues, partners, and friends,” Hebert said.
“The Board thanks Jenn for her dedication and for leaving the District with a strong organizational foundation. We will miss her enthusiasm for networking, never shying from a learning curve as we expanded our programs, and her love of special projects (which included many gallons of hand-hauled water to baby chestnuts). Jenn will be an asset to the towns she will serve.”
Holland may be reached at the District office at 207-474-8323 or HHolland@SomersetSWCD.org. The District is co-located with NRCS at the USDA Service Center, 70 East Madison Road in Skowhegan.
