The Bermuda National Trust has announced the appointment of Karen Border as its new executive director.

Ms Border, who has been a member of the BNT for almost 30 years, will take up the role on June 28.

The announcement was made after Andrew Vaucrosson, the former executive director, stepped down from the position just five months after being appointed.

Ms Border said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed executive director of an organisation so close to my heart.

“The National Trust plays such an important role in Bermuda in far more ways than many people realise – from its preservation of open spaces, historic buildings and artefacts, to its inspirational education programme and activities that celebrate the Island’s cultural heritage.

“The importance of each of these aspects of the trust’s mission has been thrown into sharp relief by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has forced all of us to focus on our own 22 square miles and what it has to offer.

“I look forward to leading the trust team in continuing the organisation’s valuable work and finding new and exciting ways in which to engage the whole Bermuda community.”

Ms Border received an International Baccalaureate diploma through the United World College of the Atlantic and graduated from Oxford University.

She has held senior communications positions at the accounting firm Coopers & Lybrand UK and has also worked with partners such as PartnerRe and XL when she worked as a freelance communications specialist.

Ms Border currently works as the communications manager for Conyers Law.

She is also the president of the Bermuda Audubon Society and is a member of the managing committee for Buy Back Bermuda.

Ms Border previously served as the chairwoman for the BNT’s Environmental Committee and currently serves as a member of its Council.

Alana Anderson, the president of the BNT, said: “Karen’s understanding of the sector and her experience make her uniquely qualified for this role at a time when conservation and climate change have become critical issues worldwide.“

She added: “The past year has been challenging for the non-profit sector, including the BNT.

“While the trust has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity, we will need Karen’s skills and leadership to move the organisation forward as Bermuda works its way out of the pandemic.

“Having been closely involved for so long, Karen is fully aware of the priorities of the BNT.”