STAFF
Bill Gladden
Executive Director
Bill Gladden joined French & Pickering as Executive Director in August 2018. With more than 30 years of experience in land use, preservation, and management in the public and private sector, Bill has brought a wealth of experience to this role.
In his previous role as Director of the Department of Open Space Preservation for Chester County from 2004-2018, Bill lead the county to invest over $200 million, and preserved over 55,000 acres of farms, forests, parks, and preserves. Bill has been honored for his accomplishments in land protection, historic preservation and volunteer service, and has served on the boards of numerous community organizations.
Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Bill developed a love for the outdoors through exploring nature, participating in sports, church camps and family outings, and by becoming an Eagle Scout. After receiving his master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Virginia—a continuation of his bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies and Political Science from the College of Wooster—Bill began what would become over three decades of work in land protection and preservation.
In his own words, Bill describes why French & Pickering is a natural fit:
Land trusts fill an essential role in our way of life in this region. I am thrilled for the opportunity to work with landowners, municipalities, supporters and the French & Pickering board and staff to deliver the benefits of preservation to the community. I have long admired its work, and look forward to increasing French & Pickering’s connections with the public and partners while building on its core commitment to conservation.”
William Gladden, Executive Director (August 2018 – present)
Chester County Department of Open Space Preservation, Director, 2004-2018
East Bradford Township, Assistant Township Manager, 2003-2004
Chester County, Planner II & Capital Facilities/Grants Coordinator, 1994-2003
Schuylkill River Heritage Area & Greenway Association, Executive Committee Member, 2007-2016
Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Agriculture, 2006- Present
YMCA Brandywine Valley Chapter Board of Directors, 2009-2010
East Brandywine Township Open Space Committee, 2001-2004
East Brandywine Township Park and Recreation Board, 1997-2004
Boy Scouts of America, Eagle Scout
