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Updated: July 21, 2023

Philanthropy professional named Greater Portland Landmarks acting director

By Laurie Schreiber

A seasoned philanthropy professional who has led nonprofit organizations in Maine and nationally for many years was named as the acting executive director at Greater Portland Landmarks.

Laird Yock will manage day-to-day operations, evaluate fundraising systems and resources, and assist with the search for a new, permanent executive director.

person in plaid shirt smiling
Courtesy / Greater Portland Landmarks
Laird Yock.

Yock is stepping in for Sarah Hansen, who announced in the organization’s June newsletter that she would leave her position as executive director at the end of July. 

“The past four years have brought many challenges, but I am so proud of all that we’ve accomplished; from the establishment of the Munjoy Hill Historic District, the sale of Safford House to a preservation-minded buyer and our climate change symposium, to a new strategic framework, updated mission statement and our award of the Telling the Full History grant to further understand the Armenian-American, Black and Chinese American experience in Portland,” Hansen wrote.

Greater Portland Landmarks was founded in 1964 to protect the architecture and landscapes that give the area its distinctive character. The organization offers advocacy, education, and providing resources to homeowners and developers. It also serves as steward of the Portland Observatory, built in 1807. The organization has been developing a strategic plan over the past two years.

Yock is a co-founder of Philanthropy Works, a website providing training for fundraising professionals. He served for 20 years in senior fundraising positions at Mayo Clinic and held similar roles at the Joslin Diabetes Center and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. 

“We are thrilled that Laird has agreed to bring his leadership skills and vast experience in philanthropy to Landmarks at this important time of transition for us,” said Bruce Roullard, president of the board of trustees. “His assistance and guidance will be invaluable as we prepare to celebrate our 60th anniversary next year, recruit a new executive director, and move forward with implementing a strategic plan that has been more than two years in the making.”

In Maine, Yock has been a principal gift officer and on-site gift planning training officer for Colby College, the Portland Museum of Art, and St. Mary’s Hospital. He also has served as a philanthropy consultant to Greater Portland Landmarks since 2021.

The leadership transition comes half a year after Greater Portland Landmarks sold its historic headquarters, called Safford House, at 93 High St. and moved to a temporary headquarters at 511 Congress St. The nonprofit has said it hopes to find permanent space by the end of the year.

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