FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, July 28, 2017
CONTACT:  David MacDonald, Friends of Acadia, 207-288-3340  

Bar Harbor, Maine — A veteran journalist with more than 30 years of experience covering Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park will be joining the staff of Friends of Acadia as Communications Director.  Earl Brechlin, founding editor of the Mount Desert Islander and former editor of the Bar Harbor Times, will begin work in his new post at FOA at the beginning of September.

“Earl knows Acadia and the surrounding communities as well as anyone, and FOA is thrilled that he will be applying his many talents as a writer, editor, and photographer in support of our mission,” said Friends of Acadia president David MacDonald.   “Communications is a growing part of our work in tackling the key challenges facing Acadia in its second century.”

“I’m excited about becoming part of the Friends of Acadia team and look forward to working with staff, board members and volunteers to help share the stories about the vital work that so many people are doing to help protect and preserve the park and improve the visitor experience,” Brechlin said.

In addition to his work with the newspaper, Brechlin has served as the President of both the Maine and New England Press Associations. In 1997 he was named Maine’s Journalist of the Year. He is currently on the board of the Bar Harbor Historical Society.

Founded in 2001, the Islander has repeatedly won first place for General Excellence in Maine, New England and nationally.  Brechlin is also the author of nine outdoor guide and postcard history books. A Registered Maine Guide, his book of essays on the Great Northwoods of Maine, will be published by Down East Books in the spring of 2018. He lives in Bar Harbor with his wife, Roxie.

Brechlin follows in the footsteps of former FOA Communications Director Aimee Beal Church who served in the post for seven years up until her untimely passing this spring following a long journey with cancer.

“I love Acadia, I love this island, and I care about the people and communities here,” said Brechlin.   “I look forward to serving them in a new capacity at Friends of Acadia.”

Friends of Acadia preserves, protects, and promotes stewardship of the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and distinctive cultural resources of Acadia National Park and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of current and future generations.

Find out more at www.friendsofacadia.org.