Staff Spotlight | Liz Gillooly
March 13, 2026
By Elizabeth Gillooly
Joining the Peconic Land Trust as Major & Planned Gifts Officer feels like a natural extension of both my professional path and my personal values. I’ve always been drawn to work that protects what makes this region special: not just its beauty, but the farms, wetlands, and working landscapes that sustain our community.
After learning to sail as a child in Orient, I later became a Coast Guard licensed sailboat captain and spent years sailing in waters around the world. Time on the water has a way of sharpening your relationship with nature. You learn to read weather, tides, and seasons, and develop a deep respect for the natural systems that make coastal life possible.
Before joining the Trust, I worked in nonprofit leadership focusing on operations, fundraising strategy, and community engagement. That experience reinforced my belief that mission-driven work succeeds when relationships are at the center.
I’m also an elected Trustee in the Town of Southold, where I’ve been closely engaged in the realities of land use, shoreline protection, and the balance between growth and stewardship. That work has deepened my appreciation for the role organizations like the Trust play in protecting the character and resilience of this region.
At the Trust, I work with donors who care deeply about the future of Long Island. I’m especially passionate about helping people align their giving with their values, whether through annual support or planned gifts that create lasting impact for farms, trails, wetlands, and educational programs.
Outside of work, you can find me outdoors with my family often on or in the water. I’m grateful to be part of a team committed to protecting the places where children will explore, learn, and build their own sense of belonging.
Elizabeth Gillooly
Major & Planned Gifts Officer
EGillooly@PeconicLandTrust.org