Idaho Land Trust Coalition Appointed New Manager
Monica Church will lead operations and statewide collaboration for the Idaho Coalition of Land Trusts.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in People
The Idaho Coalition of Land Trusts has appointed District 19 representative Monica Church as its new program and operations manager. Church succeeds Justin Buckley, who has moved to a new role at Future Roots.
Why it matters
The appointment links the coalition's operational leadership directly to the state legislature, potentially shifting how the organization engages with policymakers and private landowners.
Church brings 15 years of experience in Idaho public schools and a 20-year career in education to her new role. She currently serves as a representative for District 19.
The players
Monica Church
A current Idaho state representative for District 19 and board member for the Andrus Center who previously led the Frank Church Institute.
Idaho Coalition of Land Trusts
A statewide organization that coordinates land preservation efforts and policy advocacy across Idaho.
Justin Buckley
The outgoing operations manager for the Idaho Coalition of Land Trusts who has transitioned to a role at Future Roots.
The details
In her new role, Church is tasked with strengthening collaboration among the coalition's member organizations. She will leverage her background in the Idaho Legislature's Resources and Conservation Committee to build and maintain relationships with private landowners and state policymakers.
Timeline
October 12, 2026: Announcement of the leadership transition.
Market Landscape
This transition aligns the Idaho Coalition of Land Trusts with the legislative agenda of the Idaho Legislature's Resources and Conservation Committee. It signals a move to integrate state-level policy experience directly into the operational strategy of land preservation groups.
Operators in the land use and conservation sectors should track how this change affects lobbying priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Business owners with significant real estate holdings may see shifts in how land trusts engage on state-level regulatory proposals.
The takeaway
The appointment highlights the value of cross-sector experience when managing policy-heavy operational roles. Keep an eye on the coalition's upcoming legislative advocacy to determine if the organization shifts toward a more active role in state policy discussions.
Further reading
For more on professional transitions in the region, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Idaho State Journal.
