A Letter From Our Founding Board President

Dear Friends of the Merwin Conservancy,

I would like to share some news that is important to me personally and to the Conservancy: after ten incredibly rewarding years, I am stepping down as the founding Board President. It is a fitting moment to make this transition now that the Conservancy has become the steward of the Merwins’ home and garden, creating a great new foundation from which to further our work uniting the regeneration of language, art, land and community. 

I am pleased to announce that Robert Becker is our new President. Robert is a distant cousin of William’s who became close to my parents and me over the last quarter century. He is also a skilled writer and thinker with a deep love for William’s work, both literary and botanical. I am also excited about the great leadership team that will collaborate with our staff to guide the Conservancy, and about the passion and commitment of our growing board. In the past few months we’ve been joined by four new directors, each of whom bring new energy, expertise, and perspective to our unfolding work. You can read about Vilsoni Hereniko, James Pickrel, Richard Andrews, and Gabby Ahuli‘i Ferreira Holt, and all our directors here.

Although I am stepping down as President I will be continuing in my role as Merwin Family board representative and President Emeritus, helping the Conservancy to carry on my parents’ vision for this organization they created and that I love so deeply. I hope to see you all at a future Conservancy event!

Matthew Carlos Schwartz