The Law Office of Andrew H. Shaw, P.C. offers PACD a legal advice program. PACD Members have access to on-call legal assistance at a reduced rate, including both attorney and paralegal services.
The law office is a general practice law firm and can provide advice and assistance in many practice areas.
Their contact information is:
Andrew H. Shaw, Esquire
andrew@ashawlaw.com
2011 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle, PA 17013
717-243-7135
www.ashawlaw.com
During the PACD North Central Region Meeting on October 14, 2025, Lycoming County Conservation District Manager Matt Long demonstrated the Virtual Reality (VR) the district uses.
The videos used for the VR demonstration featured a poultry operation with 24,000 birds in the barn and a soil nailing project completed through the Dirt and Gravel Roads Program.
The district has one camera and 30 headsets that the Lycoming County Commissioners purchased using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. The district uses Meta Quest 3 headsets and is shooting the videos with a GoPro Max (360). The district plans to shoot a few more agriculture-related videos this fall with some local producers.
Matt emphasized that this technology has nearly limitless potential educational applications for both children and adults.
PACD seeks a detail-oriented, organized, and reliable Part-Time Bookkeeper
to manage day-to-day financial transactions, maintain accurate accounting records, and support compliance with nonprofit financial requirements. This position is ideal for an individual with strong bookkeeping experience and skills. This part-time (30 hours/week) position reports to the Executive Director.
This is a hybrid position with 2-3 days in the office in Harrisburg, PA, and 1-2 days working remotely. Hourly wage commensurate with experience ($20–$25/hour). Paid PTO and holidays (prorated for part-time).
Click here for the full announcement. Please apply by e-mail with the subject heading “Bookkeeper” to jobs@pacd.org. All application materials must be received by 4:30 p.m. on October 22, 2025.
Molly Bengs is the Water Resource Trainer at PACD, where she plays a key role in advancing water resource training efforts and expanding the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s comprehensive training library, Clean Water Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Parks and Resource Management from Slippery Rock University.
Prior to her current role, Molly worked with the National Conservation Planning Partnership (NCPP), where she contributed to the development and implementation of communication strategies supporting locally led conservation initiatives through partner activities. She also has a background in higher education, having worked on curriculum development, and gained valuable experience through an internship with her local conservation district. Molly is looking forward to continuing her work in conservation by supporting water quality efforts across Pennsylvania in this role.
Outside of work, Molly enjoys hiking, photography, crafting, as well as spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Vader.
PACD Executive Director Amy Brown spoke at the PA Department of Environmental Protection’s Citizens Advisory Council on September 9, 2025.
Amy spoke about PACD programs, training, and sub-grants for conservation districts and emphasized the importance of conservation district work. She also explained the vital role of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Conservation Technical Assistance program, whose funding may be in jeopardy at the federal level.
On September 3, the PA Association of Conservation Districts Executive Board announced Amy Brown’s promotion to Executive Director. Amy was previously the Director of Operations and Acting Executive Director.
Brown has served as Acting Executive Director since March 2025, guiding the Association during a period of transition. In her new role, she will oversee statewide programs, advocate for conservation districts, and focus on partnerships that enhance conservation district initiatives.
Amy came to the Association in 2018 as the Program Manager and previously worked as an Agricultural Technician at the Luzerne Conservation District.
Including an extensive farming background, Amy’s family owns TLV Tree Farm in Glenelg, MD.
Strategy Solutions President and CEO Deb Thompson leads PACD’s strategic planning retreat.
On August 26, 2025, PACD hosted a strategic planning retreat at its Harrisburg office. Twenty participants, including staff, board, and managers, created a framework of priorities, an updated mission, and a vision for the Association for the next five years. Stay tuned for more outcomes from the retreat.
Strategy Solutions facilitated the PACD’s 2025-30 Strategic Planning session.
The PACD board. Front row (left to right): Sonia Wasco, Barb Peace, Thomas F. Herbert, Emil A. Bove, and Vince Pennoni.
The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) elected a new slate of officers during its annual meeting on July 16, 2025, in Champion, PA. Among those elected was Emil Bove, Director and Board Secretary of the Westmoreland Conservation District, who will now serve as the Association’s President.
The 2025 PACD officers are:
Executive Board Members not up for election and continuing to serve their terms:
During the PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference, PACD released its 2024-25 Annual Report. The report features program highlights, sub-grants awarded to conservation districts, advocacy efforts, and a financial overview.
Click here to view the report.
This summer, PACD welcomes two new unpaid interns, Vanessa and Alexis. Throughout the summer, they will assist the office with tasks such as office organization, social media messaging, and supporting the upcoming PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference. Welcome to the team!