OGUNQUIT — Great Works Regional Land Trust announces the appointment of Rhyan Romaine as its new director of development. Based in Wells since 2006, Romaine will use her years of experience in the public and nonprofit sector to increase the financial and organizational capacity of Great Works by crafting a major gifts program, growing membership in all six communities, expanding the reach of the corporate giving program, and acting as lead fundraiser for the organization.

“Rhyan brings a unique combination of fundraising expertise and local knowledge with rich experience in donor development and relationship building, skills that will be critical to Great Works’ goals of building its capacity and long-term sustainability,” said Lisa Erickson-Harris, executive director of the Great Works. “I am delighted to welcome her to the Land Trust at a time when the conservation finance dynamics are shifting and look forward to working in partnership with her and our board to strengthen our development efforts and achieve ambitious fundraising objectives.”

A dynamic nonprofit professional, Romaine will bring to her new role a unique set of skills and experience gained over the course of 15 years of fund development work with educational, environmental, and human service organizations. Under her leadership, partners, clients, and organizations have secured more than $17 million in competitive grant funds and an additional $15 million through major gifts, capital campaigns, annual fund drives, and special events. Romaine is the previous director of resource development at York County Community College and the former director of grant development for the American Lung Association in New England. Romaine holds a master’s degree in public policy and management from the Muskie School for Public Service at the University of Southern Maine and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the Pennsylvania State University’s University Park campus.