MANLIUS, N.Y. — The Central New York Land Trust (CNYLT) — a nonprofit conservation organization that says it has protected the region’s unique natural areas for more than 50 years — has announced its new executive director.

Patrick Lynch comes to the organization from Syracuse University (SU), where he oversaw rural-development programs at SU’s Environmental Finance Center. He also worked with municipalities and state agencies across New York to secure funding for water-infrastructure improvements.

Lynch started in his role at CNYLT on May 5 and succeeded Simon Solomon, who departed the organization in January to develop and manage the State Fair events master plan for the Fairgrounds facilities, Devon Dunbar, development manager for CNYLT, tells CNYBJ in an email.

The Central New York Land Trust, Inc. operates at 7213 Woodchuck Hill Road in the town of Manlius.

“Patrick is highly qualified to further our environmental protection goals, and foster partnerships with local communities, dedicated volunteers, land stewards and staff,” Andy Ramsgard, an architect in Skaneateles and chair of the CNYLT board of directors, said. “He brings a wealth of experience and ideas to our organization and we look forward to partnering with him to continue our mission to maintain and restore habitats, improve water quality, and provide opportunities for families to connect with the environment.”

Lynch previously served in several nonprofit-leadership roles, including director of policy and planning for a watershed association in New England and international director for a Chilean foundation in Patagonia, CNYLT said in its announcement.

“I am thrilled to be taking over as the Land Trust’s next director,” Lynch said in the announcement. “My wife and I have loved Central New York ever since moving here three years ago so she could earn a master’s degree at SUNY-ESF. We’ve spent many weekends exploring CNYLT’s different preserves and paddling all the lakes and rivers across the region. I’m excited to get to work at our headquarters at the Woodchuck Hill Preserve and continue meeting all the people who keep this organization going.”

Lynch earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and English literature from Fairfield University; his law degree from Vanderbilt Law School; and a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard Kennedy School.

The Central New York Land Trust owns and operates 56 nature preserves across a region, including 18 open to the public.