STAFF
Kersten Appler
Director of Development & Operations
As Director of Development & Operations at French & Pickering, Kersten Appler is responsible for numerous essential functions in the organization. Her tasks are many and include coordination of all events, the membership program, fundraising, communications, programming, ensuring organizational compliance with the Land Trust Alliance’s standards & practices, and acting as a governance liaison. Kersten is also the French Creek Iron Tour Coordinator, and takes on other special projects as needed. After successfully leading French & Pickering through the organization’s initial Accreditation in February 2016 and renewal in June 2021, she works to ensure that the organization meets the requirements of this prestigious recognition.
Kersten began her story with French & Pickering in 1999, when she was hired as an easement monitoring intern by Bill Sellers and organization co-founder Eleanor Morris. After the two summers of her internship, Kersten continued to work with Mrs. Morris in the Barn Office during her college breaks. After graduation, Kersten joined the Peace Corps and successfully completed her service. Upon her return, Kersten was employed by Brandywine Conservancy, but continued to work for Mrs. Morris on the weekends. Eleanor Morris’ mentorship had a great impact on Kersten and her career trajectory. After moving back to northern Chester County in 2012, she joined the French & Pickering team as a Land Preservation Associate.
Associate Director, French & Pickering (Jan. 2018 – present)
East Pikeland Township Planning Commission, Appointed Member 2019- Present
Federation of Northern Chester County Communities, Elected Secretary, 2019- Present
Land Preservation Associate, French & Pickering, 2012-2018
Nonprofit Executive Management Certificate – Georgetown University (April 2018)
2017 Senior Fellow – Environmental Leadership Program
Assistant Easement Manager, Brandywine Conservancy, 2006-2011
Project Design & Management Specialist/ Permaculture Volunteer, Peace Corps, 2003-2006
East Pikeland Township Open Space Committee, Appointed Member, 2012-2019
Charlestown Playhouse, Inc., Board Member, 2018- present
Degree in Geography & Environmental Soil Science – University of Delaware
