Eric W. Grace - Executive Director
Eric has worked for GVC since 1998.  He received his Bachelors’ degree in Political Science from Colorado College.  Following graduation, he moved to the New York City area and worked in various fields.  In 1994, he and his wife moved to Ithaca, where Eric attended Community College for several years to prepare for a career in land conservation.  In 1996, he was accepted to SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry School, for a Masters’ degree in Land Use Planning.  While studying, Eric volunteered with GVC, as well as did projects for the Save the County Land Trust in Onondaga County and the Genesee Land Trust in Rochester, NY.

In July of 1998, Eric accepted a position with GVC as its first Executive Director.  Since starting, he has been responsible for establishing the office, furthering the preservation goals of the Conservancy and fundraising.  Eric has overseen the conservation of more than 5,000 acres.

Eric serves on the Advisory Board for the Land Trust Alliance’s New York Program and is Chairman of the Livingston County Environmental Management Council.  Currently Eric and his wife live north of Geneseo with their three dogs, three cats and four horses. 

Ben W. Gajewski - Stewardship Director
Originally from Canandaigua, NY Ben resides in the village of Geneseo and has been working with GVC since 2007.

A graduate of SUNY Geneseo with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a minor in Environmental Studies. Ben spent a semester interning at GVC during the spring of 2007 as part of his Environmental Studies program.

In the summer of 2007 he was hired as temporary staff and was then hired as Stewardship Director in July of 2007.

Ben is responsible for maintaining all GVC held easements and fee-owned land, assisting on new conservation projects, as well as PR and other necessary tasks.

Amber Hamman - Farmland Protection Specialist
Originally from Syracuse, NY Amber now resides in Perry. Amber began working for GVC on farmland protection efforts in 2008.

While studying Geography at SUNY Geneseo Amber held an internship with GVC. Amber was hired as temporary staff in the summer of 2008 and was then hired as the Farmland Protection Specialist in January 2009.

Amber’s primary responsibilities include implementing Livingston County’s Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program, as well as working with farmers, Livingston County, and the State to close GVC's farmland protection projects.