TRUCKEE, Calif. — Tom Van Berkem is the Truckee Donner Land Trust's new board president.

Van Berkem is a Northstar resident and retired senior executive from Wellpoint Inc., a Fortune 50 health insurance company, and vice president on the Truckee Tahoe Airport District Board.

“I have enjoyed the natural open beauty of Truckee Donner Lands since the 70s. When this became our home five years ago, it became clear that I wanted to help preserve its beauty for generations to come,” Van Berkem said in a press release. “As the Land Trust President, I am excited to continue to help guide this wonderful mission.”

Van Berkem replaces Martin Bern as president, while Janet Zipser Zipkin takes the office of vice president, William Thauvette was elected treasurer and Jeff Hamilton was elected secretary.

As president, Van Berkem will help guide the land trust in working with land owners, federal, state and local governments, and the public to negotiate land acquisitions, easements and land exchanges.

“Tom is a seasoned manager, a brilliant strategic thinker and passionate conservationist,” said Perry Norris, the land trust's executive director. “The Land Trust Will be well served by having Tom at the helm.”

To learn more, go to www.tdlandtrust.org.