A Very Special Announcement
We have some important news to share regarding a transition within our organization.
After 16 years at the helm of Land Stewardship Centre (LSC) in the position of Executive Director, Brian Ilnicki is passing on the torch. Collectively, during his professional career, including serving as ED of the Beaver Hills Biosphere for seven years, Brian has spent more than 35 years bringing people together to work on common priorities for achieving sustainability on the landscape and is now looking ahead to a well-earned retirement.
Brian leaves some big shoes to fill, but we are pleased to announce that, effective April 15, 2025, our very own Bob Montgomery has taken on the role of Executive Director at Land Stewardship Centre.
Bob's enthusiasm, background and experience in the education field, Indigenous relations and supporting environmental conservation work are assets that will help us continue to elevate Land Stewardship Centre's partnerships, programs and initiatives. Bob looks forward to working closely with the board of directors, the staff team and all our valued partners going forward.
But we're not quite saying goodbye to Brian yet. Before he fully embraces retirement, we are fortunate that Brian will stay on for the next several months in the capacity of strategic advisor, assisting Bob and the organization with this transition, and providing support to several core LSC programs including the Watershed Stewardship Grant program and the Conservation Land Registry.
As both Brian and Bob begin their respective new journeys, we encourage you to reach out and say thank you Brian and we invite you to connect with Bob in his new capacity as ED.
Learn More About Bob Montgomery
Bob was born in Lethbridge and grew up in the mountains and prairies of Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) territory now known as Southern Alberta. He spent his winters skiing with his family at Westcastle and in the summer picking huckleberries on those same slopes and mountain creeks. The Castle wilderness extending to Waterton Lakes National Park is very dear to him, in part, because his paternal Métis Grandma and her relations ranched between Yarrow and Drywood Creeks in that valley.
Despite his settler upbringing, Bob is proud of his Métis ancestry; he feels a deep responsibility to live the teachings he’s learning through connecting with Métis and Indigenous Elders, community members and friends while also taking responsibility for his settler ancestors. Bob feels most connected when out on the land. He is a hunter, and harvester but just genuinely loves being out in the woods.
During his time in the city Bob builds community through sports and volunteer work. His career path is a trail through the woods: beginning as a ski patroller and canoe guide, to working with youth in a wilderness addictions centre. From there he pursued the education field working in schools and post-secondary institutions. Now he uses his breadth of skills and knowledge to support environmental conservation work, especially centering Indigenous knowledges that are poised to provide the clearest examples of how to live harmoniously with the land.
Bob is thrilled to step into the role of Executive Director for both Land Stewardship Centre and Beaver Hills Biosphere. He hopes to continue the hard work done by former ED Brian Ilnicki, staff, partners, funders and volunteers to care for the land and live harmoniously with it moving forward. He is especially grateful for the support and mentorship of his colleagues as he enters this new challenge.
A Few Words From Brian Ilnicki
Over the past 35 years I have been privileged to work alongside some amazing individuals and organizations who have been integral in their support for community – based conservation and stewardship initiatives across this country. I am constantly reminded of the tremendous dedication and energy that it takes to advance this work; whether as a local volunteer, an elected official or as someone trying to support these efforts with programming and capacity-building initiatives.
It has been an absolute privilege to serve as the Executive Director of Land Stewardship Centre and the Beaver Hills Biosphere over the past 16 years and to work alongside some of the most talented and dedicated professionals in the industry. I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to the growth and success of both these organizations, and I leave with sincere appreciation for the colleagues, mentors, and friends who have made this journey so fulfilling. I am excited for Bob Montgomery as he assumes the role of Executive Director for Land Stewardship Centre and the Beaver Hills Biosphere and look forward to his leadership as he guides both organizations forward.
While I am transitioning into retirement, I will continue to provide support to these organizations when I am not spending time with family, being outwitted by the fish of the streams, lakes and ponds that call me or my recent attempt at bladesmithing that continues to challenge my abilities.
Looking forward to what’s next, and grateful for the relationships built over the years.