Christina Mailhos Appointed Executive Director of Joshua’s Trust 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Christina Mailhos Appointed Executive Director of Joshua’s Trust

Mansfield, CT — 4/27/2026 — Joshua’s Trust, a nationally accredited land trust dedicated to preserving the natural, agricultural, and cultural heritage of northeastern Connecticut, is pleased to announce the appointment of Christina Mailhos as its new Executive Director.

With more than twenty years of leadership experience in nonprofit management and municipal governance, Christina brings a strong track record of operational excellence, strategic collaboration, and community engagement to the organization. Her appointment comes at an exciting time for Joshua’s Trust, which has protected more than 5,500 acres across 16 towns and continues to expand its impact through conservation and stewardship initiatives.

“I am honored to join Joshua’s Trust and build upon its legacy safeguarding open spaces, protecting and restoring habitats, maintaining trails and fostering an appreciation for the natural and cultural resources that make our region unique,” said Christina. “This organization represents the very best of community-driven conservation, and I look forward to working alongside its dedicated board, staff, volunteers, and supporters to strengthen partnerships, deepen community connections, and ensure the long-term stewardship of the region’s special places.”

Christina has deep roots in northeastern Connecticut and a longstanding commitment to preserving its landscapes and communities. She is best known locally from her 8 years serving as First Selectwoman of Willington where she led a 6,200-resident municipality, overseeing municipal operations, budgets, and public services while working closely with boards, commissions, and regional partners. In this role, she navigated complex land use, conservation, and planning issues, gaining a deep appreciation for balancing environmental stewardship with community needs.

In addition to her municipal leadership, she has significant nonprofit experience, having served as Executive Director of Connecticut-based Hope After Loss. There, she partnered closely with the board of directors on strategic planning and governance, ensured financial sustainability, managed staff and volunteers, and cultivated relationships with donors and community stakeholders. This combination of public sector and nonprofit expertise positions her well to guide Joshua’s Trust into its next chapter.

“Christina brings an exceptional blend of leadership, local knowledge, and passion for conservation,” said John Hankins, President of the Board of Directors. “We are confident that her vision and collaborative approach will help Joshua’s Trust continue to thrive and expand its impact across the region.”

An avid hiker and advocate for open space, Christina is especially inspired by the role that protected lands and accessible trails play in connecting people to nature and to one another. As Executive Director, she will focus on advancing strategic land protection, enhancing stewardship practices, and fostering meaningful opportunities for community engagement.

Founded in 1966, Joshua’s Trust is a nonprofit land trust dedicated to conserving the natural and cultural resources of northeastern Connecticut. Through land protection, stewardship, and community outreach, the organization works to ensure that the region’s landscapes remain accessible and preserved for future generations.

For more information, please visit www.joshuastrust.org or contact Christina at christina.mailhos@joshuastrust.org.