Farewell and Thank You to Thomas Patti

By Rachel Bruce, Chief of Staff

Sometime in the past three years, if you’ve engaged with Wildlands, you’ve undoubtedly interacted with our Communications Coordinator Thomas Patti.

Perhaps you’ve met him at a Wildlands program (likely involving birds) or a community event. Perhaps you’re a professional partner who’s had the pleasure of working alongside Thomas on a shared project, or you’ve connected through the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition’s Early Conservation Career Network, on which he serves as an organizer. Perhaps you are a volunteer Ambassador who works with Thomas to promote Wildlands’ mission throughout the region.

If you’re reading this article, you have at least crossed virtual paths. Over 4,000 e-news subscribers read our monthly newsletter, 6,800 social media followers enjoy posts, photos, and videos, and 1,400 members peruse Wildlands News when it hits their mailbox in the spring and fall. Thomas diligently writes, creates, and oversees these productions and more with his creative approach to promoting the importance of Southeastern MA’s natural resources and Wildlands’ role in protecting them.

Since April of 2023, when he landed the role as our first full-time staff member dedicated solely to communications, Thomas has built the foundation of a communications program at Wildlands. With a dual degree in Environmental Science and English from Brown University, we knew during his interviews that he was the perfect fit for this new role. It took time to fully understand how his thoughtful nature, quiet dedication, and deep intellect would shape our voice and uplift our community impact.

Now, Thomas is moving on to a new role with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, continuing to follow his passion to “advocate for nature, and for the human and non-human communities it sustains.” We know that as a policy coordinator for land conservation, Thomas will excel and contribute greatly to the Lincoln Institute’s mission. Here at Wildlands, he will be deeply missed by our entire staff, our partners, our volunteers, and our community.

“I’m deeply grateful for the personal and professional growth I’ve been afforded at Wildlands,” Thomas said. “It has been a privilege to start my career with an organization that truly invests in the next generation of conservation leaders. I will miss Wildlands’ community of staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters, whose remarkable dedication to our mission made my job a little bit easier and a lot more rewarding.”

Thomas, thank you for dedicating your talents to Wildlands for the past three years. We wish you nothing but success and hope our paths cross again in the not-so-distant future.

Please share a message to Thomas or a fond memory in the comments.