Brian Sale, Friends of Acadia’s new stewardship manager. (Rhiannon Johnston/Friends of Acadia)

Friends of Acadia welcomes Brian Sale as the organization’s new Stewardship Manager, where he will lead volunteer programs supporting stewardship projects throughout Acadia National Park. Brian comes to the organization with a distinguished career in the United States Air Force and extensive experience leading volunteer groups in wildland fire mitigation, watershed clean-ups, and trail maintenance.

Since September 2024, Brian has served as a stewardship volunteer at Acadia, working his way up to the rank of Volunteer Crew Leader and helping to foster new caretakers for the park. He has also volunteered extensively as an ambassador for Friends of Acadia at the Membership Table at the Jordan Pond House and has carried soil to the summits of Penobscot and Sargent Mountains as part of the Save our Summits restoration effort.

“I’m deeply passionate about leadership, conservation, and stewardship, and I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact volunteers can have. Serving alongside people committed to caring for Acadia and helping lead that work is truly a dream come true.”

Brian holds degrees in Organizational Leadership and Information Technology. He succeeds Nikki Burtis, who served in the role since the spring of 2021. Friends of Acadia is incredibly grateful to Nikki for her creativity, enthusiasm, and steady leadership, and excited for her next adventure.

Brian will oversee the Drop-in Stewardship Volunteer Program, service group volunteerism, the Acadia Winter Trails Association’s ski trail grooming efforts, Take Pride in Acadia Day, and the Earth Day Roadside Clean-up.

“We are excited to have Brian joining the staff,” said Stephanie Clement, FOA’s Vice President of Conservation. “His love of Acadia is strong, and we’re looking forward to working with him to foster volunteer stewardship in the park.”

Friends of Acadia’s volunteer programs kick off this spring with our annual community Earth Day Roadside Clean-up event on April 25, 2026. Registration opens on April 1. Please visit our website for more information or contact Brian at brian_sale@friendsofacadia.org for group registration.

Learn more about all of Friends of Acadia’s upcoming volunteer opportunities.