Meet the team

Preservation and protection—it all comes down to the people. Get to know the dedicated team members behind our mission.

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Jane Herndon

Executive Director
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Jane Herndon brings a breadth and depth of environmental experience to our organization that will enhance SALT’s ability to protect land in coastal Alabama. She has two degrees in geology and gained her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Jane enjoyed a successful 20-year career as an environmental attorney representing clients in environmental law and real estate.

Shifting from law to policy, she was Assistant Commissioner for the New Jersey Department for Environmental Protection where she administered the Department’s air quality, solid & hazardous waste, and the environmental safety and health divisions.

Moving from NJ to Alabama, she lived in Orange Beach and worked in Florida for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Among other responsibilities and accomplishments, Jane administered the Department’s Water Resource Management program, including coastal resources, coastal construction, port expansion, dredging, wetland, and wastewater.

Most recently, Jane worked for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as manager of the Aviation Department’s environmental programs. There she led work to support environmentally-sound operations at its five airports. She is happy to change the sounds of airplanes for the sounds of waves as she resumes her residence in Orange Beach.

Jane is a well-rounded professional with a demonstrated commitment to environmental protection and stewardship. She is concerned about the potential adverse impacts of rapid development in coastal Alabama. Coming from a highly developed state (New Jersey) that did not plan for open space and conservation until late in the state’s development, she understands the need to prioritize open space conservation. She also recognizes the importance of instilling the value of conservation in local communities, including their residents, landowners, and elected officials.

We are thrilled to have Jane lead us as we protect land and promote environmental education in coastal Alabama.

Jennifer Orcutt

Administrator/Volunteer Coordinator
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Jennifer Orcutt attended California State University, Long Beach earning a Master’s degree in Research in Psychology after a ten year enlistment in the US Marine Corps. While living in Southern California, she volunteered for local organizations that did beach and neighborhood clean-ups.
 
Jennifer brings with her a background in several different clerical areas. Most recently, she was the office manager/accounting department/etc. at a large real estate brokerage. She is also an active Real Estate Agent. Before moving to the area, she was at a brass foundry where she worked in several different departments to include Human Resources and Quality Control.
 
Jennifer and her two boys moved to Fairhope in the summer of 2021 after touring colleges in the area and don’t plan on ever leaving! She found SALT while volunteering with the Boy Scouts for the 2023 Bald Eagle Bash. Jennifer lives in Fairhope with her two sons and three dogs. She loves gardening, reading, and traveling.

Cassidy Redding

Land Conservation Associate
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Cassidy Redding attended Loyola University Chicago in Chicago, Illinois where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (Conservation/Restoration). While in college, Cassidy conducted extensive restoration research, publishing papers in both wetland restoration and restoration economics. Shortly after graduating, Cassidy began working as an environmental consultant at an engineering firm in Chicago where she specialized in environmental compliance and land transactions.

Cassidy moved to the Gulf Coast in November 2023 and immediately fell in love with the rich biodiversity and cultural significance of the land. Her key responsibilities at SALT will be managing habitat restoration, inspecting and monitoring our land, and developing SALT’s geospatial data analysis program.

Outside of work, Cassidy lives in Pensacola where she enjoys running, tennis, and playing with her two cats, Martini and Benito.

Kori Wilbourn

Communications & Outreach Associate
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Kori Wilbourn holds a BA in Communication Arts with a specialization in Public Relations & Advertising from Spring Hill College, complemented by a minor in Marketing & Management. Her career journey has demonstrated her expertise in marketing, communications, and community relations. 

Previously, Kori served as Community Relations & Operations Manager at The 5th Street Group – Church & Union in Nashville, TN, where she implemented effective communication strategies and managed operational functions with precision.  

Before joining South Alabama Land Trust, Kori operated as a versatile Freelance Marketing Consultant, collaborating closely with clients across New Orleans, LA, and Nashville, TN. In this capacity, she crafted compelling print and digital marketing campaigns that effectively communicated brand identities and elevated market presence. 

Kori’s role at South Alabama Land Trust leverages her extensive experience in client relations, strategic campaign management, and creative direction to drive our communications and outreach efforts forward. Her proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, project management, and content strategy positions her as a pivotal asset in advancing our mission to protect and preserve coastal Alabama’s wildlands. 

Cycling has always been my passion, a love I shared with my dad through mountain biking adventures growing up. As a competitive spirit, I found my adult challenge in shredding trails and embracing the thrill of gravel and road cycling. This sport has become my lifeline, keeping me healthy and happy at 26. Alongside cycling, my creativity flows through unique, out-of-the-box art and music, truly allowing me to follow my own path.