Thanks to Outgoing GVLT Board Members
As 2024 comes to a close, three of our amazing Board Members are preparing to wrap up their terms with GVLT. We want to express our deepest gratitude to Cathy Costakis, Jeff Dineen, and Keith Reed for their dedicated service to our organization and mission of trails and conservation.
GVLT is fortunate to be led by a volunteer Board of Directors from the community who can serve up to two three-year terms. Their varied experience and professional backgrounds are valuable in shaping the direction and initiatives of GVLT.
Cathy Costakis
Cathy has been a Board member since 2018. This year she served as Board Secretary and was also a valued member of the Board’s Executive, External Engagement, and Trails committees.
“Cathy has provided leadership, expertise, and candor to our trails program,” said GVLT Trails Director Matt Parsons. “For four years I was lucky enough to have her as our Trails Committee Chair. I will miss her but am grateful to have had her to lean on as our program has grown.”
In sharing why she serves, Cathy said, “I was so proud to serve on the board of such an impactful organization! GVLT’s work improves the quality of life for our community, for our environment, and for our wildlife friends…now and ‘in perpetuity.’”
Keith Reed
Keith has served on the Board since 2019. This year he was a critical member of both the Lands and Development committees.
“Keith has been such a champion for encouraging GVLT to take the long view by building our planned giving program,” shares GVLT Director of Development Justin Barth. “He’s led by example and helped our team brainstorm unique ways to encourage others to join our Lupine Legacy Planned Giving Society. Under Keith’s leadership as Chair of GVLT’s Development Committee, GVLT has grown the Lupine Legacy Society from 10 members to over 50 members in the past two years.”
Describing why he dedicated his service to GVLT’s board, Keith shared, “I wanted to work with the land trust that would have the most impact on the immediate area, and that was clearly GVLT. There is much more to do in Gallatin, Park, and Madison counties, and GVLT is working as fast as available funding allows.”
When asked about rewarding experiences as a Board member, Keith shares, “Seeing numerous donors join the Lupine Legacy Society by adding GVLT to their estate plans was very satisfying. However, working with GVLT’s extraordinary staff for the past six years has been both exciting and rewarding—thank you for the privilege!”
Jeff Dineen
Jeff brought invaluable operational and financial expertise to GVLT’s Board when he joined in 2022. This year he served as Treasurer and was a member of the Board’s Executive and Finance committees. Jeff is leaving the Board to focus on his role as a new father.
GVLT Executive Director Chet Work shares, “GVLT is extremely sorry to lose Jeff Dineen from our Board of Directors but we are thrilled about his next life adventure and wish him all the best. For three years, Jeff has brought unique skills and perspectives to our work and has been instrumental in maturing our financial reporting. Prior to joining the GVLT board, Jeff served as a member of the GVLT NextGen Advisory Board and has been a great advocate for our work in the community.”
When asked what inspired him to become a member of the Board, Jeff said, “I wanted to take an active role in supporting two of my favorite aspects of living in this community: beautiful open space and abundant access to outdoor recreation.”
Reflecting on his experience, Jeff shared, “It was rewarding to see first-hand the talented and passionate GVLT staff work tirelessly to advance the mission of the organization. Their commitment is inspirational.”
While we are sad to see Cathy, Keith, and Jeff’s tenure on the Board come to an end, we are extremely grateful for their service and thrilled they’ll always be an important part of the GVLT family.
